Deadline For Illinois Tornado Relief Extended

The deadline for people affected by November tornadoes in Illinois to apply for recovery assistance has been extended to Feb. 3.

The extension announced Thursday allows people in 15 federally designated counties - including Champaign, Vermilion, Douglas, and Tazewell, to seek grants and loans to help with cleanup and its aftermath.

The original deadline was Jan. 27.
 
Gov. Pat Quinn says aid applications have been delayed by factors such as the severe winter weather.
 
So far more than 2,400 applications for disaster aid have been received from people in the 15 counties. More than $2 million in federal grants has been awarded to help people with their expenses.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $14 million in disaster assistances to help people and their businesses.