12 Counties Declared Disaster Areas after Flooding

(Chicago Tribune) — As flood victims across the region sifted through their rain-soaked homes and businesses, Gov. Pat Quinn on Monday declared Cook, DuPage and 10 other storm-ravaged counties disaster areas.  But state officials said more flood-damage assessment is necessary before they can request federal funds to help pay for the damage.

Quinn’s declaration allows the state to provide resources such as trucks, materials and work crews. The state treasurer’s office will also seek banks willing to give low-interest loans to residents and business owners who were victims of flooding. Beyond that, it would take a federal disaster decree for many flood victims to get government funding.

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