Governor Quinn Announces Federal Assistance Approved for Wabash County

SPRINGFIELD - June 28, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the federal government approved the state's request for a federal disaster declaration to help people and businesses in Wabash County recover from recent flooding and severe storms. The declaration will allow people and businesses in Wabash County to apply for federal disaster assistance, including grants and low-interest loans.

Earlier this month, 14 southern Illinois counties were approved for federal disaster assistance to people and businesses. Those counties include Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hardin, Jackson, Lawrence, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, White and Williamson.

"This assistance is an important step on the road to recovery," said Governor Quinn. "We are going to continue doing all we can to help those impacted by flooding to rebuild and recover."

A damage assessment conducted last week in Wabash County found two mobile homes that were destroyed by a tornado on April 19 and one that sustained minor damage from flooding that affected much of southern Illinois in late April and early May. Local officials reported that many other homes were also damaged by the storms and flooding.

The federal disaster declaration makes assistance available to flood and storm victims, including grants to individuals and households to help with temporary housing, home repairs or replacement and other disaster-related expenses, as well as low-interest U.S. Small Business Administration loans to residents and businesses.

"We will begin working immediately with FEMA to ensure flood victims in Wabash County receive the help they need as quickly as possible," said Illinois Emergency Management Agency Director Jonathon Monken.

FEMA, which administers the federal assistance program, has a toll-free telephone number, 800-621-FEMA (3362) or 800-462-7585 (TTY for hearing and speech impaired), for victims to apply for assistance. Registration can also be completed online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

Additional information about the state's storm response efforts is available at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.