Sixty Illinois counties can begin applying for aid in the wake of February's massive blizzard.
President Barack Obama ealier this month cleared the way for the federal funds, which allows each county to recoup up to 75 percent of the costs spent between Jan. 31 and Feb. 3 on debris removal, the repair of damaged government buildings and electrical lines, and emergency measures taken during the storm.
Official estimates put the statewide cleanup total at about $64 million. The city of Chicago estimates the historic winter storm cost it $37.3 million. Lake County is said to have spent about $8 million.
| Full Coverage: Blizzard of 2011 |
