Gov. Pritzker Announces U.S. Small Business Administration Approves Disaster Declaration for March Tornado and Severe Storms

CHICAGO – Gov. JB Pritzker announced today that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved a disaster declaration for the tornado and severe storms that impacted the Kankakee County area March 10-11, 2026. This disaster declaration will allow homeowners, renters, businesses and some non-profits to apply for low-interest loans for damages not covered by insurance.

“In the wake of this destructive storm, these resources will be critical to the Kankakee County area’s recovery,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “No matter where you live, your community should be able to count on relief after a disaster. SBA rightfully recognized the severity of the storm's impact, and Illinois will continue coordinating essential recovery efforts in the area.”

This declaration will cover Kankakee County as well as the contiguous counties of Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, Livingston, and Will Counties. The SBA staff will establish three (3) Disaster Loan Outreach Centers this week to allow disaster survivors to ask questions in person and obtain assistance in applying for two kinds of loan assistance: physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). The main outreach center in Illinois will be in Aroma Park where the Tornado struck. The other outreach centers will be located in Kankakee County.

“Low interest disaster recovery loans can provide residents with an important tool to help rebuild in the aftermath of this devastating storm,” said IEMA-OHS Acting Director Theodore (Ted) Berger. “We are grateful for the coordination and partnerships that continue to support residents in long-term recovery efforts.”

Homeowners and renters can apply for up to $500,000 in low-interest loans to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners or renters can apply for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property such as appliances and furniture. Businesses and some not-for-profits can borrow up to $2 million for physical damages.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security’s (IEMA OHS) completed their Damage Assessments in Kankakee County last month. Governor Pritzker also visited Kankakee and Aroma Park to assess the damage done by the significant storms that hit the state.

To find an outreach center or to apply to loan assistance, disaster survivors can visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.

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