Alexander, Union counties issued USDA disaster designation from Hurricane Helene

USDA Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack on Thursday issued a disaster declaration for Alexander and Union Counties in southern Illinois due to damages and losses caused by excessive rainfall and high winds that resulted from Hurricane Helene on September 28-29.

 The two counties are contiguous to the primary designation counties in Missouri and are eligible for the same emergency loan assistance.

"A USDA disaster designation makes emergency loans and other disaster recovery support available to Illinois farmers impacted by the extreme weather," said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. 

"Emergency loan applications must be received within eight months from the date of the declaration. The clock starts ticking when the designation is made, so do not delay if you have storm damage in Alexander or Union Counties."

Illinois producers in affected counties should contact their local USDA Service Center to ask questions or file a Notice of Loss.