Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has officially requested five southern Illinois counties be declared federal disaster areas.Wednesday Quinn asked President Obama to provide federal relief to Saline, Gallatin, Williamson, Union, and Randolph Counties after a dozen tornadoes ripped through the region one week ago. If the request is approved, residents would be eligible to apply for grants and low interest loans. Affected businesses would also be able to apply for low-interest Small Business Administration loans.
Earlier this week federal and state emergency management officials assessed the storm damage across the region. The assessment found 104 homes were destroyed, 50 suffered major damage and more than 250 sustained serious damage. Last Wednesday’s storms also destroyed or damaged more than 30-businesses.
Representative from both the state and federal Emergency Management Agencies will meet with local community leaders beginning March 12th to document expenses related to the tornadoes and storms, including debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repairs to roads, bridges, and other public facilities.
