Federal disaster declared for St. Clair County flooding. Here’s what that means

The flooding damage caused by 8 inches of rain on July 16 in St. Clair County has prompted President Joe Biden to declare a federal disaster for the county.

Federal assistance includes “grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster,” according to a news release Friday from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Six other Illinois counties affected by weather on July 13-16 are also included in the declaration. They are Cook, Fulton, Henry, Washington, Will and Winnebago counties.

“Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov , by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App,” the release stated.

The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency said Friday that it expects to soon get more information from state officials about how residents can apply for federal assistance.