Bloomington-Normal, IL
Gov. Pritzker seeks disaster declaration for McLean County following August storms (Wglt)
Summary: Gov. JB Pritzker has requested a presidential major disaster declaration from FEMA for McLean and seven other counties following storms that hit the state Aug. 11-16. The storm hit McLean County August 13 and 14, with strong winds, heavy rains and flooding. McLean County Emergency Management Agency Director Cathy Beck said the county has fielded more than 400 residential damage claims and close to two dozen business claims. Bloomington Deputy City Manager Sue McLaughlin said the county had submitted $42.5 million in damages. If FEMA approves the declaration, it would make programs available including grant funding for temporary housing and home repairs, along with low-interest loans.
Why it matters: If FEMA approves the disaster declaration, it would make several programs available to help residents and property owners recover, including grant funding for temporary housing and home repairs, along with low-interest loans to cover uninsured property damage. FEMA would also make funding available to local governments and nonprofits to assist with emergency response and debris removal.
Context: The governor also issued a gubernatorial disaster proclamation for the eight counties, to extend the proclamation issued on Aug. 18. The proclamation gives local officials an additional 30 days for the state to support local response and recovery operations.
Date: September 16, 2026 06:03 PM ET
URL: https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2026-09-16/gov-pritzker-seeks-disaster-declaration-for-mclean-county-following-august-storms
Generated Analysis Tone: Negative (60%)
Source Registry Score: 10.0/10 — High
Generated text and tone describe the analysis; the source registry score is not a factual truth rating.Post ID: 74ed7b7c