U.S. Sens. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation, sent a letter to President Obama last week, asking him to issue a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Declaration for DeKalb and Ogle counties.
The declaration will allow residents and businesses in the region impacted by severe storms and tornadoes in April to receive SBA loans. The loans provide assistance to homeowners, renters and businesses to repair or replace disaster damaged real estate, personal property, machinery, equipment, inventory and business assets.
“On April 9, a series of tornadoes tore through the north-central part of our state," the members wrote. "At least two tornadoes, one a category EF-4 with wind speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, moved through DeKalb and Ogle counties. Preliminary damage assessments indicate that homes, businesses, buildings, trees, utility poles, electrical service and transportation routes in these counties were harmed by the tornadoes. The economic impact on the community as a result of businesses being destroyed is severe and the demand for state and local government resources for emergency response, debris removal and the repair of public property is extraordinary. We thank you in advance for your timely consideration of this important request and stand ready to assist in any way appropriate.”
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