Cook County Offers Storm Recovery Funding Applications

Suburban Cook County governments hit by severe storms this summer can now apply for financial assistance to cover recovery costs, although funding is not guaranteed.

The county opened applications Thursday for its Disaster Response and Recovery Fund Public Assistance Program, which reimburses eligible local governments for qualifying expenses from storms on June 10 and 11 and July 27.

Those storms brought damaging winds, heavy rain, flash flooding and tornado activity to parts of Cook County, leaving behind property damage, power outages and fallen trees.

Eligible expenses include qualifying emergency response operations, debris removal and repairs to public infrastructure.

The program is intended for suburban municipalities and other eligible local government agencies, including qualifying school and park districts. It does not provide direct financial assistance to homeowners.

Applicants must document their storm-related expenses and disclose any other reimbursements received for the same costs. Awards will depend on eligible expenses and available funding.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle issued a county-level disaster declaration following the July 27 storms to quicken emergency resources and recovery efforts.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11.

Cook County says it plans to offer technical assistance sessions during the application period and expects to make funding decisions by the end of January 2027.

Eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at cookgov.me/DRRF2026.