Federal disaster assistance after Illinois spring floods tops $151 million

U.S. federal disaster assistance to residents of Illinois who experienced severe storms and flooding in April has passed $151 million, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

That amount was distributed to about 61,000 individuals and households, FEMA said. Registration for disaster assistance for the 35 counties affected by the storms and flooding, which occurred between April 16 and May 5, ended Aug. 8.

Federal assistance included:

• More than $151 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households;

• Of that amount, more than $130 million has been approved for housing assistance, including temporary rental assistance and home repair costs;

• More than $21 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and damaged personal possessions;

• More than 90,000 home inspections have been completed to confirm disaster damage;

• More than $59 million in loans to homeowners, renters or business owners has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

FEMA is also helping state, local governments, and certain types of private non-profit organizations recover from the flooding event.

The Public Assistance (PA) arm of FEMA is a reimbursement program that helps communities deal with the financial burdens imposed by a disaster. The federal share of PA is not less than 75% of the eligible cost for emergency measures and permanent restoration. So far, more than 620 requests for Public Assistance have been submitted.