By Adam Studzinski
PONTIAC – Gov. Bruce Rauner said the people of Illinois need to count their blessings following the string of tornadoes Wednesday night, many of which occurred in Livingston County.
Rauner surveyed the damage in Pontiac Friday morning. He said there, fortunately, were no fatalities due to the storms.
“We, obviously, have some significant property damage. Our thoughts and prayers go out to a woman who has a broken hip,” said Rauner. “She and her children were in their mobile home. Their mobile home was completely destroyed and it’s a miracle that she only had a broken hip.”
Rauner added at this point the state has not had to provide aid to the area.
“Local resources have been sufficient, which is wonderful. We do have programs available in our Department of Commerce for low interest loans, for those businesses that are not able to cover their losses through insurance,” Rauner said.
The governor explained there are also grants and low interest loans available for low income families who might need assistance to rebuild their homes.
Rauner said the damage does not appear significant enough to ask for federal assistance.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
