2 Jul 2009

FEMA has announced aid for Illinois to supplement recovery efforts following severe weather damage
Disaster aid made available for Illinois following severe weather

The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for Illinois to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes during the period of May 8-9, 2009.

FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms , flooding, and tornadoes in the counties of Franklin, Gallatin, Jackson, Randolph, Saline, and Williamson.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and tribes within the state.

Fugate named Dolph A. Diemont the federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Diemont said additional designations maybe made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders and to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.