The state of Michigan will make additional emergency disaster relief funding available to counties in the Upper Peninsula. In the spring of 2023, flooding occurred around the Upper Peninsula region due to rapid snowmelt. Earlier in the year businesses impacted by the disaster were able to access federal funds. Today Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office announces an additional 10.9 million dollars from the state’s disaster and emergency contingency Fund will assist 17 counties across the state for three incidents in the past 16 months.
The Upper Peninsula counties qualifying for the state’s most recent funding will have access to 5,127,901 dollars. Alger, Baraga, Dickinson, Iron, Houghton, Gogebic, Marquette, and Ontonagon counties will each qualify. Governor Whitmer says that these funds will provide a critical boost to make sure communities recover and build back stronger. Two other disasters declared by the state include the August 2023 tornadoes and flood that impacted southeast and central Lower Peninsula counties, and May 2024 tornadoes that touched down in the Southwest Lower Peninsula. Those interested in learning more about the 5 points 1 million dollars in disaster relief funding awarded to Upper Peninsula counties for flood impacts in 2023 can find more details below.
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Gov. Whitmer Awards Nearly $11 Million in Emergency Relief Funds to 17 Counties Across the State
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2024
LANSING, MICH. Gov. Whitmer announced today $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.
“By declaring these disasters, I made all state resources available, including funding, to the affected areas to support the local response and recovery efforts. With the passage of my balanced budget, we are now able to ensure communities affected by severe weather disasters get the resources they have requested and need,” said Gov. Whitmer. “Michiganders are resilient, and the rebuilding is already underway. This is a much-needed boost to make sure communities recover and build back stronger than ever before.”
Funding by Disaster:
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.
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.
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 Berrien Counties.
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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