Federal Disaster Funds Available for Blizzard

President Barack Obama has declared 60 Illinois counties federal disaster areas due to February's blizzard.

Gov. Pat Quinn asked earlier this month that the counties be made eligible for federal assistance due to a storm that dropped more than 21 inches of snow on northern Illinois.

With the federal disaster declaration, local governments could be reimbursed for 75 percent of their eligible storm-related expenses. The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Thursday federal funds would cover costs incurred between Jan. 31 and Feb. 3.

According to the governor's office, state and local governments spent an estimated $64 million to respond to the storm and recover afterward.

The city of Chicago estimates the historic winter storm cost it $37.3 million.

Full Coverage: Blizzard 2011
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