FEMA says no to Streator

The Federal Emergency Management Agency deemed the state of Illinois has the necessary local resources for continued tornado relief efforts.

What does that mean for Streator? No federal grant money.

Mark Peterson, a FEMA spokesman, told The Times Wednesday the state's request for federal aid was denied June 29, despite Streator city manager Paul Nicholson's report no word had been sent to Streator.

"The city works through the county and the county works through the state," Peterson explained. "We denied Gov. (Pat) Quinn's request but that essentially is a denial to the city of Streator's."

As a result, Streator will not receive federal grants; however, the U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest, long-term loans to those affected. Essentially, the city will have to pay for its own cleanup efforts.

"If FEMA were to accept the request, there would be more funds available through grants and the SBA loan program," said Patty Thompson, Illinois Emergency Management Agency communications manager. "The loan program through the SBA will still help many people."

Thompson also confirmed there is nothing more on the horizon as far as federal assistance.

"All options have been explored," she said. "We pursued them all and FEMA didn't work out."

La. Attempts to Hold Back Oil

FEMA extends Ike mobile home program 6 months

GALVESTON, Texas — A temporary mobile home program for southeast Texas residents still displaced since 2008's Hurricane Ike has been extended to Jan. 7.

The new deadline was announced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Gov. Rick Perry had sought the six-month extension.

The Sept. 13, 2008, hurricane swamped parts of the Galveston area.

FEMA spokesman Raymundo Perez on Tuesday said 102 families in Galveston County are still living in mobile homes provided by the agency.

More than 3,700 FEMA-provided mobile homes were in use immediately following Ike. Overall, 149 mobile homes are still occupied by displaced Ike residents in Texas.