Governor Pat Quinn and Illinois’ congressional delegation have asked the Obama administration to approve federal aid for communities hit by last month’s deadly tornadoes. Quinn says he’s seeking federal help for local governments in nine central and southern Illinois counties. The money would help defray costs of repairing or replacing public infrastructure, removing debris and paying overtime costs for workers. Two dozen tornadoes ripped through parts of Illinois on November 17th, killing seven people and damaging or destroying more than 2,400 homes, including the one in New Minden that claimed the lives of two people. The request would cover Washington County. Federal help already has been granted for people and businesses in 15 counties. Senator Dick Durbin says it will take months or years for some of the communities to rebuild.