President Biden declares federal disaster over June and July flooding in Cook County
CHICAGO (CBS) -- President Joe Biden approved a federal disaster declaration in Cook County in the wake of historic storms that caused significant flooding in late June and early July.
The move allows for federal funding to help with storm recovery efforts, including grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help homeowners and businesses recover from the flooding.
RELATED: Cicero, Berwyn residents await federal help after devastating floods
Mayor Brandon Johnson thanked Biden in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
"West Side residents and other Chicagoans impacted by July's flooding will now continue to get the assistance and resources needed for recovery," he wrote.
Sharon Moffett said her basement is in great need of repair which flooded on July 2 by about a foot of water causing $11,000 in damage.
"I'm so happy that help is on the way," Moffet said. "I'm grateful. I thank God, cause I need it."
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency has been conducting damage assessments in Cook County since last month, after severe storms from June 29 to July 2 caused major flooding in Cook County, particularly basements in the Austin neighborhood in Chicago, as well as west suburban Cicero and Berwyn.
"Our basements are just as much a part of the history of Chicago as house music and Uncle Remus," Johnson said Thursday. "Because it's in the basements where childcare is provided. It's in the basements where families provide support for individuals who need somewhere to lay their head."
On July 2 alone, torrential rains brought nearly 9 inches to Berwyn and Cicero in a matter of hours, and nearly 6 to 8 inches for several neighborhoods in Chicago, including 8.12 inches in Garfield Park. At one point during the day's storm, between 1 to 3 inches of rain came down within 90 minutes, according to the National Weather Service.
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The heavy rain prompted the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago to reverse the flow of the Chicago River for the first time since 2020. It only happens when the Chicago River system rises above the level of Lake Michigan.
Homeowners and businesses still recovering from flood damage can apply for federal assistance here by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App.
"I want to emphasize FEMA assistance is not intended to get you back to where you were before the disaster," said Mike Chesney, a FEMA deputy regional administrator. "However, it is meant to help return your home to a safe, sanitary, and functional residence and to get you started on your road to recovery."
Gov. JB Pritzker issued a state disaster proclamation late last month for Cook County and several other counties to help them recover from flooding, tornadoes, and derecho across the state between June 29 and July 2, providing local governments with access to state funding and personnel to assist with recovery efforts.
The state's disaster proclamation covers Calhoun, Christian, Clark, Coles, Cook, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar, Hancock, Logan, Macon, McDonough, Monroe, Morgan, Moultrie, Pike, Sangamon, Scott, Vermillion, and Washington Counties.
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Johnson along with other local leaders will discuss more on the disaster declaration on Thursday.
