08.17.23

Following Their Letter, Durbin, Duckworth Applaud Biden Administration for Approving Illinois Disaster Declaration Following Severe Summer Storms

The Senators led the entire Illinois delegation in calling for federal assistance for Cook County

SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today applauded the Biden Administration for approving Governor JB Pritzker’s request for Individual Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the State of Illinois, to support Cook County in recovering from severe storms in which localized rainfall totals reached eight inches, resulting in significant power outages and roadway interruptions from June 29 to July 2, 2023.  On August 7, Durbin and Duckworth led the Illinois delegation in sending a letter to President Biden requesting the federal assistance.

“Severe summer storms have become increasingly common, and the wreckage they leave behind is devastating for our state and its residents,” said Durbin.  “Thankfully, President Biden has recognized the severity of the situation and responded to our request.  Cook County residents will get the federal support they need to rebuild their community.”

“I’m grateful President Biden heeded our ask and approved Governor Pritzker’s request for a federal disaster declaration to help Cook County receive the funding and support needed to recover from the aftermath of severe storms this summer,” said Duckworth. “I’ll continue working with Senator Durbin, Illinois’s Congressional delegation and local officials to help ensure this federal aid is distributed quickly and equitably to all communities and businesses impacted.”

The federal assistance includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners in rebuilding after the storms.

Federal funding is also available to Cook County on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance today by registering online atwww.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by using theFEMA App.

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