HENRY COUNTY, Ill. — Some Illinois residents are now eligible for disaster assistance following severe weather that struck the region back in July.
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a disaster declaration covering Henry, Marshall and Putnam counties on Monday, Nov. 4. Contiguous counties surrounding those named in the declaration are also eligible for assistance. That includes Bureau, Knox, LaSalle, Mercer, Peoria, Rock Island, Stark, Whiteside and Woodford counties. The declaration means that the USDA's Farm Service Agency is authorized to provide loans to producers who are still dealing with disaster recovery.
“We appreciate the joint efforts of Governor JB Pritzker, Secretary Vilsack and the USDA to ensure Illinois farmers receive support to recover from these destructive storms,” Jerry Costello II, Illinois Department of Agriculture director said in a press release. “Producers in declared counties should contact their local USDA Service Center to confirm eligibility.”
Applicants have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for an emergency loan. Anyone looking to apply should contact their local USDA Service Center.