State and federal emergency management officials are expected in McLean County next week to assess damage from recent severe storms and flooding as local officials seek potential federal disaster assistance.
Representatives from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are tentatively scheduled to conduct a preliminary damage assessment Tuesday, Sept. 1. The assessment could continue into Wednesday if additional time is needed.
Officials will review damage and costs involving emergency response, debris removal, flooding, trees and public infrastructure. The findings will help determine whether the storm damage across central Illinois meets the criteria for a federal disaster declaration.
A declaration could make additional recovery resources available, including potential low-interest SBA disaster loans for eligible homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofits.
McLean County Emergency Management Director Cathy Beck says officials are working with local municipalities to provide assessment teams with nonprofits.
McLean County Emergency Management Director Cathy Beck says officials are working with local municipalities to provide assessment teams with a complete picture of the storm’s impact.
Residents may see assessment teams in affected areas. Officials stress that their presence does not mean federal assistance has been approved or that a disaster declaration will be issued.
McLean County residents can report storm damage to their personal or business property through the county’s online reporting system.
