Federal aid to Illinois after flooding tops $134 million

Federal assistance to the state of Illinois, which experienced severe rainstorms and flooding this spring, has reached more than $134.1 million, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has reported.

That amount was distributed to more than 54,540 individuals and households following the major disaster declaration for the storms and flooding that occurred April 1 through May 5, FEMA said.

Storm damage after May 5 is not included in the presidential disaster declaration for Illinois, the agency added.

The latest summary of federal assistance includes:

• More than $134.1 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households;
• Of that amount, more than $115 million has been approved for housing assistance, including temporary rental assistance and home repair costs;
• More than $18 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and damaged personal possessions;
• More than 81,500 home inspections have been completed to confirm disaster damage;
• More than $33.2 million in loans to homeowners, renters or business owners has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

In Illinois, 82 out of 102 counties and 770 communities have adopted and enforce floodplain ordinances, making residents eligible to purchase flood insurance, according to FEMA.

Flooding accounts for more than 90% of declared disasters in Illinois. The state has one of the largest inland systems of rivers, lakes and streams in the U.S. with nearly 15% of its total land area flood prone.

Long-term recovery efforts are still underway.