Illinois seeks disaster status for 14 flooded counties

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois is asking the federal government to grant disaster status to 14 counties hit by flooding.

The counties are Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hardin, Jackson, Lawrence, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, White and Williamson.

Gov. Pat Quinn said Tuesday that floods and storms in those counties destroyed 109 homes and severely damaged 348 others. The weather inflicted major damage on 307 businesses and minor damage on 330.

If the disaster declaration is approved, people could apply for grants and low-interest loans. Businesses could seek low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration.

Officials are still documenting disaster expenses that could help state and local government recover 75 percent of costs.