Michigan appeals FEMA’s denial for disaster help

Audio By Carbonatix

(The Center Square) – While the President Donald Trump administration approved disaster relief for local municipalities in northern Michigan following a massive ice storm, it said no to families, businesses and utilities.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmire announced Monday she is appealing the decision as communities continue to recover from the March event.

“Many Northern Michiganders are still reeling from the impacts of the ice storm that devastated communities earlier this year,” Whitmire said. “Michigan families and businesses deserve the support they need to recover from these storms. That’s why I’m appealing FEMA’s disaster aid denials. I’ll keep fighting like hell to deliver relief for our residents, local governments and utility providers.” 

The March storm has been labeled “historic” by state officials. On March 31, Whitmer declared a state of emergency to respond to the storm’s impact. The declaration initially covered 10 counties but was expanded to include 12.

Nearly 100,000 Michiganders were without power, and the storm left hundreds of miles of roads blocked by fallen trees and debris. Even the Mackinaw Bridge, which connects lower Michigan to the upper northern peninsula, was closed for a time.

“Northern Michigan was devastated by the ice storms earlier this year, and families and businesses are still struggling to rebuild,” said U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich. “Recovery will continue to be out of reach without these critical resources from FEMA, which is why I support Governor Whitmer’s appeal. Michiganders deserve better.” 

In late July, Trump approved $50 million for emergency work and certain permanent repairs. However, FEMA denied help that would have helped pay for permanent repairs to damaged utilities, individual assistance for housing and disaster-related losses and long-term projects to help with future risks.

“Northern Michigan families and communities are still carrying the burden of the devastating ice storm, and they deserve the full support of FEMA to recover,” said U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Mich. “I’m committed to fighting for the resources our region needs, which is why I strongly support Governor Whitmer’s appeal to FEMA’s denial. This is about standing up for Northern Michiganders and ensuring we are not left behind.”