SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WSIL) —Nearly $18 million in payments has been allocated to schools, agencies and organizations in southern Illinois which were hit hard by the recent ice storm.
Comptroller Susana Mendoza issued payments, earlier than planned, which total more than $17.7 million after the request of Senator Dale Fowler who informed Mendoza of the dire circumstances southern Illinoisans are facing.
$16.7 million is money for Illinois State Board of Education which is mandated categorical grants for elementary and secondary schools. The money will help schools with their cash flow for repairs after the ice storm damaged structures, utilities and left many in the dark in southern Illinois.
423 vouchers for $1.1 million were paid for ambulance services, local electric cooperatives, social service agencies and city and county services, Mendoza detailed.
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“It’s vital during emergencies like the brutal ice storm that southern Illinois experienced, that we do all we can to assist area residents,â€� said Comptroller Mendoza. “We are fortunate to be able to speed up payments to help the region recover.â€Â�
“Comptroller Mendoza approached me this week asking how her office could help,� said Senator Dale Fowler. “Having these payments expedited for schools, nursing homes and not for profits is incredible and so appreciated.�
These payments also included $34,000 to The Nights Shield Children’s Shelter in West Frankfort and $22,500 to the Southern Illinois Coalition for the Homeless. This money will help with taking care of households which are still without power.
Mendoza stated the electric cooperatives received payments for state-related utilities and the cash infusion will help cover increased overtime and fuel costs as repairs are made.
There were also hospitals in the region which also have been serving as temporary short-term warming centers. Mendoza said the early checks will help them as well.
