Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has asked President Donald Trump for a disaster declaration due to heavy storms, rain, rapid snowmelt and tornadoes in 43 Michigan counties in April that caused severe damage and flooding.
An approval by Trump would unlock federal aid that could go to communities, businesses and families, according to a news release Friday. Whitmer has requested funding from the federal government’s Individual Assistance programs, which provide help directly to homeowners and renters, as well as Public Assistance aid, which reimburses local governments, some nonprofits and tribal agencies for their costs associated with weather response, debris removal and infrastructure repair.
“The severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that struck Michigan in April left a devastating impact on communities across more than half of the state, destroying and damaging homes, businesses, and roads,” Whitmer said in a statement. “While recovery efforts are underway, many residents and local governments face difficult and costly challenges.”
The widespread spring flooding caused five small dams in northern Michigan to fail and put five others that could have caused major damage on the verge of failure, a state dam official told a House committee in April. The Cheboygan River inched up the Cheboygan Lock and Dam system, which had put nearby residents on alert to prepare to evacuate.
In southeast Michigan, a tornado in mid-April tore away the east wall of the ice arena in Ann Arbor’s Veterans Memorial Park. The storm also damaged part of the roof of UM’s Yost Arena.
Whitmer has sought FEMA Individual Assistance programs for 37 counties: Alcona, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iosco, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mecosta, Missaukee, Montcalm, Montmorency, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Oceana, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Shiawassee, Washtenaw and Wexford.
She has requested funding from Public Assistance programs for 26 counties: Alcona, Alpena, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Eaton, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iron, Kalkaska, Lake, Manistee, Marquette, Mecosta, Menominee, Missaukee, Montmorency, Newaygo, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Presque Isle, Tuscola and Wexford.
Heavy thunderstorms and rainfall April 13-18 led to tornadoes, high winds, hail, flash flooding and river flooding that overtook roads and forced residents to evacuate or be stranded.
Several of Michigan’s elected officials issued statements supporting Whitmer’s call for a disaster declaration by the president.
“Michigan families are still reeling from the impacts of extreme weather across our state in April. The results are clear: Michiganders are going to need federal help to rebuild,” said Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham), who is running for U.S. Senate. “I urge the federal government to swiftly approve Michigan’s request for a major disaster declaration, and I’d like to thank Governor Whitmer for her steadfast leadership on behalf of the state of Michigan.”
Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Watersmeet) said: “Communities across the First District and throughout Michigan suffered substantial damage from April’s severe storms and flooding, and local officials have done everything possible to respond and recover. The scale of this disaster warrants federal assistance. I support Governor Whitmer’s request for FEMA assistance and encourage FEMA to approve this declaration so our communities can get the help they need.”
FEMA will review Whitmer’s request. Trump makes a final decision about a disaster declaration.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Whitmer seeks disaster declaration for severe April flooding, storms
Reporting by Julia Cardi, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Julia Cardi, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
