LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – After several months of requests and denials from FEMA, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday approved more than $500,000 in state funding for Otsego County and surrounding communities devastated by the severe thunderstorm and tornado in May.

The funds are allocated through the Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund. In a press release, Gov. Whitmer’s team explained those funds are used when communities demonstrate an exhaustion of local resources during a disaster or emergency.

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Wednesday’s approval comes after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) denied the governor’s request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration.

State Representative Ken Borton (R-Gaylord) said, “After the tornado hit our community, the people of Gaylord have grown closer together, and our work to rebuild damaged homes and local businesses — and help people get back on their feet — continues,” Borton said. “In the Legislature, I’ve supported investments into our Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund to help communities across Michigan recover from catastrophes and crises. Now, these critical resources will aid Otsego County in our hour of need.”

On May 20, an EF-3 tornado touched down in Otsego County; it ripped through Gaylord’s business district and damaged private property.