Randolph County Designated For Public Disaster Assistance
Release Date: April 13, 2006
Release Number: 1633-011
» More Information on Illinois Tornadoes and Severe Storms
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The head of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that public disaster assistance has been made available to Randolph County to help local governments rebuild public property damaged by the severe storms and tornadoes that struck Illinois March 11-13.
Acting Director of FEMA R. David Paulison said the assistance was approved following a review of damage data gathered by federal and state disaster recovery officials. The funds were authorized under the major disaster declaration issued by President Bush on March 28 and made available through FEMA’s public assistance program for state agencies, local governments, and certain private not-for-profit organizations.
“Ensuring that vital community services are restored as quickly as possible is part of our continuing commitment to help Illinois achieve a full and lasting recovery,” Paulison said.
Under the expanded assistance affected local governments in Randolph County are eligible to apply for federal funds to pay 75 percent of the approved cost of debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and utilities.
Procedures for requesting the assistance will be explained at a series of applicant briefings for local officials at a location to be announced shortly by state and federal disaster officials.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Friday, 14-Apr-2006 11:59:36