New federal assistance issued for spring storms
States in the Midwest and South have been granted federal aid to help residents recover from a series of spring storms that led to heavy property damage and a large number of homeowners insurance claims.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced 14 Illinois counties would be granted federal aid after President Barack Obama declared them major disaster areas. Those communities are still recovering from severe storms in April that resulted in flooding in many areas and left some homeowners without the financial resources to stay current on their mortgages and other debts. Two Minnesota counties and six others in Oklahoma received similar aid for severe storms and tornadoes in May, said the agency.
"Families who may have been forced from their homes need to know that help is available to begin the rebuilding process," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "Whether it's foreclosure relief for FHA-insured families or helping these counties to recover, HUD stands ready to help in any way we can."
Major disaster declarations are quickly mounting in number so far in 2011. The Federal Emergency Management Agency reports 40 such declarations have already been issued, a pace that could surpass last year's record total of 81.
Related Home Insurance Articles:
- Homes destroyed by Nevada wildfire May 23, 2012
- Researchers hope to better understand tornado damage May 22, 2012
- Total costs from Minneapolis tornado reach $80 million May 21, 2012
- Analysis shows more than $2B of insurance claims from Joplin tornado May 18, 2012
- Recovery continues for Michigan tornado victims May 17, 2012
