FEMA denies Illinois request for major disaster declaration

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has denied a request from the State of Illinois for a major disaster declaration following severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding in August. In a letter dated October 7, FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton stated that federal assistance for the affected areas was ‘not warranted.’

Governor JB Pritzker criticized the decision, accusing the Trump administration of playing politics with infrastructure and homes. The governor noted that while the same storm systems impacted neighboring states, such as Indiana—which received federal aid for similar weather—Illinois was denied. The state plans to appeal the decision.

The request for individual and public assistance covered eight counties: Champaign, Cook, Ford, Fulton, McLean, Tazewell, Vermilion, and Will. The August weather events included wind gusts approaching 100 mph, significant flooding, and widespread power outages. Illinois had previously issued a state disaster proclamation to mobilize local resources and is now seeking to explore further options for recovery.