Three additional counties hit by severe storms designated federal disaster areas

SPRINGFIELD, ILL.  - Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that President George W. Bush has granted his request to add Greene, McDonough and Pike counties to a list of Illinois counties hit by recent storms that are eligible for federal disaster assistance.

At the governor's request, President Bush last week approved federal disaster assistance for 12 Illinois counties hit by storms between May 6 and 11.  The counties previously included in the federal disaster declaration were Adams, Alexander, Brown, Fulton, Hancock, Mason, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, Schuyler, Tazewell and Woodford.

The disaster declaration provides the following assistance:

·        Long-term, low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration for homeowners, renters and business owners.

·        Temporary housing assistance.

·        Grants for homeowners to repair disaster damage not covered by insurance.

·        Grants for uninsured disaster-related expenses.

To apply for assistance, disaster victims in the declared counties should call 1-800-621-3362 or TTD at 1-800-462-7585.