Governor Pat Quinn announced President Barack Obama has approved his request for federal assistance to help people and businesses in 15 Illinois counties recover from the November 17th deadly tornadoes. The announcement comes just one day after Governor Quinn submitted his request, which includes Washington County. Anyone impacted by the tornadoes should register for the grants and low-interest loans they may be eligible for. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which administers the assistance program, can be reached at 1-800-621-3362. Registration can also be done online at www.disasterassistance.gov. Available assistance includes grants of up to $32,400 to help with disaster-related needs and necessary expenses not covered by insurance and other aid programs, such as replacement of personal property, and transportation, medical, dental and funeral expenses. Low-interest loans for up to $200,000 for homeowners to cover uninsured property losses, including repair or replacement of homes, vehicles, clothing or other damaged personal property. Renters and homeowners can receive loans of up to $40,000 to replace damaged or destroyed personal property, such as clothing, furniture, appliances, vehicles, etc. Crisis counseling, disaster-related unemployment assistance, legal aid and assistance with income tax, Social Security and veteran’s benefits are other services available. Businesses and private not-for-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. Loans are also available to some businesses for economic losses.