LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Help is on the way for northern Michigan.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) granted an administrative disaster declaration for Cheboygan, Charlevoix, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Otsego, and Presque Isle Counties. This declaration unlocks financial assistance to repair or replace property damaged by the historic ice storms that pummeled the area in March.

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The SBA disaster assistance program makes low-interest loans available to residents, businesses, and non-profits affected by the storm. The storms triggered power outages, blocked communications, and left hundreds of miles of roads blocked by trees and debris.

Two Michigan lawmakers represented the storm-ravaged areas applauded the SBA’s move.

“We are so thankful to everyone throughout the state and across the country who stepped up to help Northern Michigan weather this ice storm,” said state Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs). “Restoration and relief efforts will be ongoing for a long time, and federal approval for this SBA loan program is an important first step towards funding assistance for the residents and businesses that lost so much.”

His colleague, State Rep. Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan) said the funding is critical. “Nobody alive has ever seen a storm of this magnitude. After blown transformers, fallen power lines, and weeks of power outages, I hope it’s something we never see again. I’m glad the federal government recognized our need and opened the door to additional resources,” Cavitt said.