FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Awards Nearly $11 Million in Disaster Funding to 17 Michigan Counties, Delivering Emergency Relief for Michiganders Across the State
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer announced that $10,997,209 from the state’s Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund (DECF) will provide financial assistance to 17 counties across Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas after three state of emergency declarations in the last 16 months.
“Today’s disaster assistance will help Michiganders in 17 counties recover after tornadoes, flooding, and rapid snowmelt,” said Governor Whitmer. “By declaring these disasters and working with our federal partners, we are making more state resources available to impacted areas more quickly and efficiently. Michiganders are tough, and we will rebuild and come back stronger the best way we know how—together.”
Upper Peninsula Rapid Snowmelt: $5,127,901
In April 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency in Alger, Baraga, Dickinson, Iron, Houghton, Gogebic, Marquette, and Ontonagon counties as rapid snowmelt due to warming temperatures and record precipitation lead to floodwaters that damaged, roads, bridges, utilities, homes, businesses, and other infrastructure. The flooding overwhelmed storm water and sewer systems, burst dams, caused culverts and embankments to fail, and damaged other public infrastructure such as drinking water systems. Roadways and bridges suffered the most severe damage, with many left impassable.
Baraga, Iron, Houghton, Gogebic, Marquette, and Ontonagon counties applied for DECF funding.
Lower Peninsula Tornadoes/Flooding: $4,267,753
On August 24, 2023, areas in lower Michigan experienced several storm fronts that brought heavy rain, strong winds, and 7 tornadoes. Gov. Whitmer declared a state of emergency in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne counties as communities across the state experienced road and bridge closures; downed trees and power lines; damage to homes and other building structures, embankments, and road surfaces; overwhelmed stormwater and sewer systems; and deposits of silt and debris. Thousands of homeowners also reported residential flooding.
Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne counties applied for DECF funding.
Southwest Michigan Tornadoes: $1,601,555
On May 7, 2024, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes struck the southwest part of the state. The storm system resulted in roughly sixteen injuries and caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and the power grid. Hail ranging from one to four inches in diameter was also reported along with dangerous straight-line winds. Debris removal and other storm-related clean-up has lasted several weeks. Gov. Whitmer declared a state of Emergency for Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties.
Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties applied for DECF funding.
“I am extremely appreciative of the Governor for her recognition of the costs of the natural disasters that have happened in Kalamazoo County and across the state," said state Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo). “In these days of climate change, we are facing a number of increasing natural events that cause significant damage. With that in mind, I want to share my gratitude for the grant from the State DECF to Kalamazoo County. We look forward to helping not only the governments funding the clean-up, but also working to restore the vibrant communities impacted."
State statute provides that under extraordinary circumstances, the governor may authorize reimbursement from the Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund to provide state assistance to counties and municipalities when federal emergency reimbursement is not available.
The money can be applied toward costs associated with the response to a disaster or emergency, covering overtime for public employees, contracts, shelter supplies, gasoline and repair of public buildings and roads.
The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) will administer the grant program.
For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit www.michigan.gov/miready or follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS.
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