Governor Quinn Welcomes Additional $1.6 Million Federal Assistance for Harrisburg Tornado Recovery

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement regarding Senator Richard Durbin's announcement of $1.6 million in federal disaster relief funds for the February 29, 2012 Harrisburg tornado:

"This is good news for Southern Illinois and a welcome addition to the $12 million package put together by the State of Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "This is another positive step forward in what continues to be an excellent team effort. We are committed to continuing to help the Harrisburg community and all those impacted by the tragic 2012 tornado."

In April 2012, Governor Quinn made $12 million worth of state-supported financial aid and construction projects available for Harrisburg residents and businesses devastated by the tornado. In addition to securing support for people and businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration with low-interest, long-term loans, Governor Quinn made the following available:

• Up to $5 million from the Community Development Assistance Program to pay for public infrastructure improvements, housing rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
• Up to $2 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development business loans to construct or renovate industrial or commercial buildings or purchase machinery or equipment.
• Nearly $1.58 million in municipal road improvements in Harrisburg through the Illinois Department of Transportation.
• Reimbursements up to $1.5 million for local governments for disaster-related expenses through the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.
• Up to $1 million in federal HOME funds through the Illinois Housing Development Authority to help build or renovate destroyed or damaged homes.
• $400,000 from the Delta Regional Authority to reimburse local governments for debris removal.