President Declares Major Disaster for Illinois 

Jo Daviess County Designated for Aid to Flood Victims

Release Date: May 28, 1999
Release Number: 1278-01

» More Information on Illinois Severe Storms and Flash Flooding

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Federal disaster aid was made available for Illinois today to supplement the recovery needs of flood-stricken residents and communities in Jo Daviess County, according to the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA Director James Lee Witt said President Clinton authorized the assistance under a major disaster declaration issued for the state this afternoon. The declaration covers damage from severe storms and flash flooding that struck the area May 16-17.

Witt, who designated Jo Daviess County eligible for aid following the declaration, said assistance for affected individuals and families can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, minor home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Additionally, Witt said federal funds will be provided for the state and affected local governments in the county to pay 75 percent of the eligible cost for debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, and restoring damaged public facilities. The declaration also makes cost-shared funding available to the state for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.

Phil Zaferopulos, of FEMA's regional office in Chicago, was named by Witt to serve as the federal coordinating officer for the relief effort. Zaferopulos said affected residents and business owners in Jo Daviess County can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-462-9029, or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available starting Saturday, May 29, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (CT) seven days a week until further notice.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 16-Dec-2003 10:09:17