Pritzker requests disaster declaration from Small Business Admin. for McLean County flooding assistance

SPRINGFIELD (HOI) — In the wake of the recent flooding throughout McLean County, Gov. JB Pritzker says he submitted a request to the U.S. Small Business Administration seeking a disaster declaration.

If approved, the declaration would allow residents and small businesses to apply for low-interest, long-term loans.

Total rainfall amounts between June 25 and June 27 in various parts of McLean County amounted to 6-10 inches.

According to the governor’s office, a survey of the damage conducted by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency working with local jurisdictions, found most of the damage assessed was in Downs, Bloomington, Heyworth and Normal.

While the damage did not meet the threshold for a federal disaster declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the State believes the threshold has been met for the SBA. To be eligible for an SBA declaration, at least 25 homes and/or businesses in a county must sustain major, uninsured losses of 40% or more.

“Protecting the health and safety of every resident in Illinois is a top priority for my administration and this disaster declaration opens the door to much needed funding for McLean County residents and businesses to rebuild,” said Pritzker. “This funding from the federal government will allow the State to provide the full scale of support and tools needed to support the community as they recover from recent storms.”