Six southern Illinois counties are getting federal reimbursement for much of their efforts to recover from May storms.
The declaration will affect Franklin, Gallatin, Jackson, Randolph, Saline and Williamson Counties and will allow for reimbursement of up to 75 percent for expenses related to recovery from the storms. Federal funding will be available to state and eligible local governments and certain private, nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis.
The wind storm destroyed or severely damaged at least 260 homes and uprooted thousands of trees. Gov. Pat Quinn's administration says the storm cost the region $26 million.
Marion has spent in the neighborhood of 900,000 dollars while Carbondale may have spent as much as 3.2 million.
Carbondale mayor Brad Cole believes it may be as much as 6 months before the area receives the reimbursement.
