SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is sending $62 million to 55 communities around the state for use on disaster plans.

The department announced Thursday the money is part of the IKE Disaster Recovery Planning Program. The program was set up after remnants of Hurricane Ike caused destruction in towns around the state in 2008.

Communities have to apply for the grants with plans that will help prevent damage from future disasters and help with recovery from damage that could come.

The grants went to communities across the state. They ranged from the town of Arcola just south of Champaign to Ottawa and Streator in central Illinois and Rock Island in the northwest. Most grants were between $75,000 and $125,000.