A team from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is joining state and county officials this week to assess recent flood damage in Iroquois, Kankakee and Vermilion counties.

Officials will gather at a flood site in Watseka this (Monday) afternoon.

Governor Bruce Rauner and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency had requested federal assistance for the counties following severe flooding during February. County officials conducted initial damage assessments and found that 126 homes were destroyed or suffered major damage. Another 850 homes were also impacted by flood waters.

Governor Rauner said in a press release issued Friday, ‘’These damage assessments will provide a clearer picture of the damage and insight on what people need in order to fully get back on their feet.’’

Assessment teams from FEMA, IEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and local emergency management agencies are expected to begin assessing damage to homes and businesses. The assessments will continue until completed.

Governor Rauner issued a disaster proclamation for all three counties on February 23rd to ensure state support during the flooding.

94.1 WGFA