Impasse In Washington Could Affect Local Governments

Eighty-four Michigan communities may feel the impact of a deadlock in Congress if a deal isn’t reached to fund the U.S. Homeland Security Department.

If Congress can’t come to terms and the department partially shuts down Friday, MLive reports 91 federal grants awarded to 84 Michigan communities to fund firefighter salaries, equipment and fire safety initiatives could be affected.

Communities all over the state received grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency ranging from just a few thousand dollars to $25 million.

But officials in Detroit, which was awarded over $25 million for salaries and equipment, isn’t worried yet. But, John Roach, a spokesman for the mayor’s office, says they are studying the issue closely.

The U.S. Senate on Wednesday cleared the way for a vote on a funding bill. But the measure could face opposition in the House as it does not include key provisions to block President Obama’s immigration reforms.