Today, August 15, 2023, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Illinois and ordered federal assistance to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding from June 29 to July 2, 2023.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Cook County.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Board of Commissioners and staff express our gratitude to President Biden for addressing Cook County's appeal for federal assistance. This response ensures that residents of Chicago's West and South sides, Berwyn, Cicero, and all those affected by the storms in July will have access to federal aid and resources to assist in their recovery from the impact of the storm.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at the FEMA website, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. 

Read the full White House statement.

President_Biden_Declaration_081523_2.pdf