Lake County Declared Eligible for Federal Disaster Relief

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared Lake County homes and businesses eligible for individual assistance programs to recover from the recent flooding, and Congresswoman Melissa Bean is directing families or businesses that have been affected to apply.

Hours before FEMA's declaration, Congresswoman Bean and Senator Dick Durbin met personally with FEMA Director R. David Paulison to argue that Lake County should be included in the federal disaster program. Lake County was one of 14 Illinois counties added to the program Wednesday.

"I commend FEMA for its quick action and recognition of the impact this disaster has had on Lake County residents," Bean said. "We will continue to work with residents across the 8th District to ensure that the resources they need are available."

"The damage to homes and to the local economy in the Chain O' Lakes area has been considerable. As we enter the July 4th holiday, a vital time for local tourism, homeowners and businesses need this assistance to rebuild and keep our community's economy vibrant," Bean said. "If you've been affected by the flooding, I encourage you to call FEMA and see if you qualify for assistance."

Disaster assistance may include:
- Grants to help pay for temporary housing and repairs to make a home habitable.
- Grants for serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance.
- Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for individuals
and business owners to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by
insurance.

A toll-free application telephone number and online registration is now available for residents and business owners in 14 counties who suffered property damage or loss from the severe storms and flooding that began June 1 and continue, FEMA officials said.

The counties designated for Individual Assistance include Adams, Clark, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Hancock, Henderson, Jasper, Lake, Lawrence, Mercer, and Winnebago.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. All counties in the state of Illinois are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Those affected by the disaster are encouraged to to apply at www.fema.gov or by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with speech or hearing impairment may call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Telephone numbers and online registration services are available 24 hours a day until further notice.

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