Michigan Lawmakers Applaud Federal Disaster Declaration

Now that President Trump has issued a federal disaster declaration for Houghton, Gogebic and Menominee Counties, work to fix the damage caused by the June 17th storm can continue.

Friday’s announcement was followed by a series of statements from lawmakers applauding the President’s decision, including both of Michigan’s US Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, along with US Congressman Jack Bergman and State Representative Scott Dianda.

All of them had been urging the administration to support the State of Michigan’s request for a major disaster declaration.

Grants are now available through the Public Assistance Program and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for state and local governments.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has also made low-interest disaster loans available to residents and businesses.

The presidential declaration does not include assistance for individuals and businesses.

Here are the statements released by each lawmaker:

Stabenow, Peters Responded to Federal Disaster Declaration Following Severe Flooding in the Upper Peninsula

In July, lawmakers urged President Trump to support State of Michigan’s request for a major disaster declaration

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI) today responded to the approval for a major disaster declaration following severe flash flooding that affected Houghton, Gogebic and Menominee counties. In July, the lawmakers sent a letter to President Trump urging the declaration for the affected areas be made. The damage from the flooding in the three counties is estimated at more than $42 million in covered damage to public facilities. With this declaration, assistance through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program is available to communities in Houghton, Gogebic, and Menominee counties. All areas in the State of Michigan are also eligible for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

“This funding is an important step in supporting recovery efforts already underway in Houghton, Gogebic and Menominee counties,” said Senator Stabenow. “I saw firsthand the extensive damage caused by the mudslides and severe water damage that has impacted so many families. I urge the Administration to also ensure that Individual Assistance is made available for local residents recovering from the severe flooding.”

“I visited Houghton last month to see firsthand the level of damage and was inspired by the resilience of the community,” said Senator Peters. “I am pleased that at our urging, the President has approved a federal disaster declaration, which is critical to swiftly addressing flood damage before winter approaches. As Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee overseeing emergency management, I will continue working to ensure FEMA recognizes the unique challenges facing the region as they work to rebuild stronger than ever.”

The Public Assistance Program and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provide grants to state and local governments to assist with response and recovery from major disasters. The Public Assistance Program assists with debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent restoration of infrastructure. The purpose of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is to reduce loss of life and property due to natural disasters and to enable mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a major disaster. For additional information regarding the federal assistance, please contact the MSP Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division at 517-243-0149.

President Trump Issues Major Disaster Declaration for Three Counties in Michigan

Houghton – President Donald J. Trump issued a “Major Disaster Declaration” for Michigan, following the devastating flooding that occurred on Father’s Day. Congressman Bergman released the following statement:

“I applaud President Trump and the Administration for approving Lt. Governor Calley’s request to declare the damage in Houghton, Gogebic, and Menominee counties a major disaster. I will continue to encourage the Administration to approve Individual Assistance, as that portion remains in the review process. The flooding on Father’s Day could not dampen the Yooper spirit, and today’s news is another great step towards rebuilding and getting copper country back on it’s feet,”said Bergman.

After he visited Houghton the day after the flooding, Congressman Bergman wrote a letter to Governor Snyder, along with both U.S. Senators, letting his office know federal officials stood ready to support the State of Michigan’s recovery efforts. That letter can be found  HERE.

On July 9th, Lt. Governor Calley sent a letter to President Trump requesting a major disaster declaration for Houghton, Gogebic, and Menominee counties.

Congressman Bergman, Senators Stabenow, and Peters sent a letter of support to President Trump, urging a disaster declaration for the three counties affected. That letter in its entirety can be found HERE.

                                              FEMA’s Press Release on the Declaration:

On August 2, 2018, President Donald J. Trump granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Michigan, triggering the release of federal funds to help communities recover from the Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides that occurred June 16-18, 2018.  Details of the disaster declaration and assistance programs are as follows:

Incident:                                             Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides
Incident Period:                                  June 16-18, 2018

Federal Coordinating Officer:            David G. Samaniego, National FCO Program

Individual Assistance (IA):                (Assistance to individuals and households):

IA-Designated Counties:                    Under Review.

Public Assistance (PA):                     (Assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities):

PA-Designated Counties:                   Gogebic, Houghton, and Menominee.

Hazard Mitigation (HM):                   (Assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards):

HM-Designated Areas:                       All areas in the State of Michigan are eligible for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

A Public Assistance Fact Sheet Can Be Found HERE.

Statement from state Rep. Scott Dianda (D-Calumet) on the granted Federal Disaster Declaration:

CALUMET — On Thursday, August 2nd, President Donald Trump granted a Major Disaster Declaration for Gogebic, Houghton and Menominee counties. State Representative Scott Dianda (D-Calumet) released the following statement:

“I want to thank President Trump and FEMA for working with our federal, state and local officials for granting a major disaster declaration for Gogebic, Houghton and Menominee counties. The public assistance and hazard mitigation will lend a helping hand to repair our infrastructure and prevent risks to life and property from natural hazards in the future. We will ensure assistance is used wisely to do the most good for the most people. I’ll continue to work with our federal officials to ensure individual assistance is granted to help homeowners get the relief they need from the severe damage we endured from June’s storms.”