Cary to get FEMA grant for storm

The village of Cary is expected to receive a reimbursement grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for emergency proactive measures taken by the village in response to the February snowstorm.

On Feb. 5 and 6, McHenry County encountered a severe winter storm that brought with it heavy snow, freezing temperatures and blowing and drifting conditions.

In response to this winter storm, an emergency declaration was issued by the federal government on March 13. An emergency declaration based on severe snow accumulation is made only in cases of record or near-record snowstorms.

This emergency declaration allowed local agencies that were affected by the winter storm to try to recoup some of the extraordinary expenses that were incurred.

Village staff worked with a representative of FEMA to submit a grant request to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency's Public Assistance Program for labor, equipment, and materials utilized during the snow emergency.

Once approved, the village of Cary is expecting to receive up to $29,367 for the expenses incurred while responding to the severe winter storm.

Trustee Tom Kierna is pleased that "the long, hard winter of work experienced by our Public Works Department is over. It was an extraordinary winter and the matching federal funds will help alleviate the financial burden we experienced this winter," he said.

"The Feb. 5-6 snowstorm was an expensive event," said Cameron Davis, village administrator. "The federal government's support of up to $29,367 is very helpful."

For details regarding this reimbursement grant, call Cameron Davis, village administrator at (847) 639-0003.