President Bush Declares Illinois a Major Disaster Area

President Bush Declares Illinois a Major Disaster Area

Federal Disaster Declaration Will Help the People of the 14th District

BATAVIA - Congressman J. Dennis Hastert announced today that President Bush has signed a disaster declaration for DeKalb, Grundy, Kane, LaSalle, Lake and Will Counties making them eligible to receive individual assistance. DuPage, Cook and McHenry Counties are still under review and designations will be made at a later date after further evaluation.

This federal disaster declaration will provide cash assistance and low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration for individuals and households to pay for temporary housing, home repairs, and replacement, medical, dental, funeral, and other disaster-related costs.

Federal funding also is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding in eligible counties. Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and tribes within the state.

"The release of these Federal funds is extremely important because it will not only assist the people and communities affected from the severe storms and flooding, but also help prevent future disasters," said Hastert.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance on Thursday, September 27 by registering online at http://www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time) Monday through Sunday.

For more information, please call the Office of Congressman J. Dennis Hastert at 630-406-1114.

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