One Week Left To Apply 

Release Date: October 23, 2007
Release Number: 1722-020

» More Information on Illinois Severe Storms and Flooding

ROCKFORD, Ill. -- Only one week remains for residents and business owners in the disaster declared counties who sustained damage from the severe storms and flooding that occurred Aug. 7- 8 to apply for disaster assistance.

The deadline to apply for disaster assistance is October 29. The eligible counties are Stephenson and Winnebago.

"For individuals who have already applied, their cases will continue to be processed," said Tony Russell, Federal Coordinating Officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  "We want people to understand that Monday, October 29, is merely the end of the 60-day application period, which began August 30 when President Bush issued a major disaster declaration for the state."

The deadline to apply for SBA assistance is Oct. 29, 2007 for non-profit groups, individuals and businesses with physical losses. SBA officials encourage anyone who has received a disaster loan application to turn it in as soon as possible. Failure to complete and return your SBA loan application will stop consideration for other assistance programs, including additional grants. Businesses with Economic Injury have until May 30, 2008 to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).

To date, 1104 individuals and business owners have applied for disaster assistance in the eligible counties.  Nearly $1.57 million in grants has been approved for individuals impacted by the disaster, and the SBA has issued 826 applications and approved $1,044,600 dollars in loans.

There are two easy ways to begin the application process. Residents may call FEMA's toll-free number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech and hearing impaired.  Both numbers are available from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Residents with Internet access may apply online at www.fema.gov. Valuable recovery information is also available on the website.

Disaster officials also stated that residents waiting for a final insurance settlement should contact the FEMA Helpline at the same toll-free number above to update their claim information. 

The SBA Loan Outreach Centers, that were established to assist residents and business owners with the application process, will close on Monday October 29. Individuals who need to visit a center for assistance should do so promptly. They are located at:

Freeport Public Library
100 East Douglas St., 2nd Floor Board Room
Freeport, IL 61032
Open: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pioneer Parking Deck
315 N. Main St. (@ Park Avenue)
Rockford, IL 61101
Open: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 23-Oct-2007 10:03:48