CHICAGO (AP) — Members of Illinois’ congressional delegation are asking President Barack Obama to approve federal disaster relief for farmers hit by severe flooding.
In a letter Friday, lawmakers asked Obama to issue a disaster declaration from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for counties that have seen heavy rainfall. The declaration would allow farmers to get low-interest emergency loans.
Gov. Bruce Rauner sent a similar request on Tuesday.
In their letter, lawmakers say heavy rainfall since June 1 has caused significant damage to crops in Illinois. They say some farmers haven’t been able to finish planting crops, and yields are expected to be considerably lower this year.
The letter also says June was the second-wettest month on record in Illinois. An average of 9.37 inches fell statewide.