LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer asked President Donald J. Trump to declare a major disaster in response to the severe storms, heavy rain, rapid snowmelt and nine confirmed tornadoes that struck Michigan in April.
The storms that rolled across Michigan between April 10 and 21 caused widespread damage and severe flooding in 43 counties. If approved, the governor’s request would allow federal aid to start flowing directly to families, businesses, and communities.
“While recovery efforts are underway, many residents and local governments face difficult and costly challenges,” Gov. Whitmer said. “This request for a major disaster declaration will help ensure affected families and communities have access to the resources they need to recover, rebuild and move forward.”
The governor requested the activation of all the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individual Assistance (IA) programs for 37 counties, including Alcona, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iosco, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mecosta, Missaukee, Montcalm, Montmorency, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Oceana, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Shiawassee, Washtenaw and Wexford.
All categories of the Public Assistance (PA) program have been requested for 26 counties, including Alcona, Alpena, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Eaton, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iron, Kalkaska, Lake, Manistee, Marquette, Mecosta, Menominee, Missaukee, Montmorency, Newaygo, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Presque Isle, Tuscola and Wexford.
The severe weather displaced hundreds of residents and washed out numerous roads. In addition, several dams required close monitoring because of overtopping and potential failure concerns.
