Watch CBS News

Gov. Quinn Asks For Drought Disaster Designation In Illinois

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Gov. Pat Quinn is asking for Illinois to be designated a drought disaster area.

As WBBM Newsradio's Lisa Fielding reports, Quinn has asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture for disaster designations for virtually all Illinois counties.

Amid scorching temperatures in one of the state's worst droughts on record, Quinn sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Lisa Fielding reports

Podcast

The governor's office says that nearly 30 counties already have the designation.

If Vilsack grants Quinn's latest request, nearly every one of the state's 102 counties would be eligible for special USDA grants and loan programs.

In his letter, Quinn says farmers in Illinois are experiencing significant losses due to "persistent" and "unprecedented" heat and drought.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.