Gov. J.B. Pritzker officially requested a federal disaster declaration on Thursday for damaging floods that ravaged large swaths of Illinois since February.
Pritzker asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency in July for an extension of the disaster request deadline, saying a proper assessment couldn’t be taken while some communities were still reeling from flooding.
Knox, Henry, Mercer and Henderson counties were among those that were included for both public assistance and individual assistance relief.
If approved at the federal level, individuals and governments can apply for grants and loans to help with storm-related expenses.
Public assistance is for things like damage to roads, bridges, and infrastructure.
Individual assistance is for homeowners and renters and can help pay for home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs.
Pritzker’s office says flooding this year has caused over $69 million in damages,$8.2 million of that carried by individuals and $61 million in losses of government assets.
