Disaster Declaration Sought To Aid IL Tornado Victims: Pritzker

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Residents and businesses who were impacted by the June 20 tornado that devastated Naperville, Woodridge and nearby municipalities may soon be able to apply for low-interest, long-term loans. Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Thursday that he appealed to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for a disaster declaration to help with tornado relief.

“Recent storms have upended the daily lives of DuPage County residents, impacting family homes and local businesses," Pritzker said in a news release.

"Multiple State agencies have been on the ground working closely with community leaders to provide critical support as residents begin the process of rebuilding,” said Pritzker. “Receiving a disaster declaration from the U.S. SBA would provide an additional level of needed support to the community and help residents get back on their feet faster and stronger."

The deadly EF-3 tornado damaged more than 630 homes as it cut a 16-mile path from Naperville to Willow Springs in the late hours of Father's Day, 2021. A total of 11 people were hospitalized, and an unborn baby died as a result of the tornado.

Despite the widespread damage, the area did not meet the requirements for a federal disaster to be declared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), but state officials remain hopeful about SBA assistance. To qualify for an SBA disaster declaration, 25 or more homes or businesses throughout a county must have sustained major, uninsured losses of 40 percent or greater.

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