CHICAGO, lll. – Governor JB Pritzker has issued a state disaster proclamation following weeks of severe and record-breaking weather across Illinois, including storms that struck several Central Illinois counties.
Tazewell, Fulton and McLean counties are among 15 counties covered under the proclamation, which takes effect immediately. Tazewell and McLean counties were impacted by storms between August 13 and 16, while Fulton County is also included in that same weather event.
The proclamation unlocks additional state resources and personnel to support ongoing local response and recovery operations in affected communities. It also opens the door for small and rural communities to apply for up to $250,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funding to cover unexpected costs including cleanup, debris removal and repairs to public infrastructure. Communities have six months to apply after the declaration is made.
Illinois has led the nation with approximately 204 tornadoes verified by the National Weather Service so far this year. The severe weather has included torrential downpours, flash flooding, straight-line winds and multiple tornadoes.
“The State of Illinois quickly mobilized resources for residents impacted by this latest round of severe weather, and today’s disaster proclamation will further unlock and accelerate additional state resources for continued assistance,” Pritzker said.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security, along with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois EPA and Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, will assist local governments with continued recovery efforts.
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