Pritzker Declares 15-County Disaster to Mobilize Storm Recovery

Overview

• The proclamation covers specific storms from mid-May through mid-August and names 15 eligible counties, directing IEMA, IDOT, IEPA and DCEO to deploy personnel, equipment and technical support for cleanup and infrastructure repairs.
• The order relaxes procurement rules so local governments can speed emergency purchases and it makes state-administered grants available to municipalities for debris removal and public works costs.
• Smaller and rural local governments can apply to the HUD Community Development Block Grant Disaster Response program for up to $250,000 and communities must submit applications within six months of the proclamation.
• Individuals seeking help with home damage must apply to FEMA and the state says it will request federal aid from FEMA and the SBA, though recent FEMA denials to Illinois and analysis showing partisan approval patterns leave federal support uncertain.
• The proclamation follows recent state legislation expanding homeowner relief and comes after months of intense storms that produced more than 200 tornadoes, with officials warning the pace of federal decisions will shape how quickly communities recover.