In the wake of the devastating ice storm that struck Northern Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer is seeking an extension from FEMA for the state's request for a major disaster declaration. The request, as reported by the State of Michigan, aims to provide local jurisdictions additional time to assess the impacts and damages following the natural disaster that resulted in widespread power outages and obstructed roads.
According to the report, Governor Whitmer's push for an extension highlights the complexity of the recovery efforts, which are still ongoing more than three weeks after the initial storm. Efforts to restore power are intensifying as residents continue to grapple with the sustained blackout. The local damage assessments are now complete, paving the way for Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) to begin this week.
Legislators from the impacted regions have shown united support for Governor Whitmer's extension request. U.S. Representative Jack Bergman stated his full backing, emphasizing the need for accurate damage reports to secure federal resources. Similarly, State Senator John Damoose highlighted the unique challenges of a storm of this scale, particularly in accessing some of the hardest-hit areas for damage assessment.
The outcome of the joint PDAs with FEMA and the SBA will be crucial for determining eligibility for major disaster assistance. The potential support could include Individual Assistance for affected homeowners and renters, as well as Public Assistance for local government agencies, certain non-profit entities, and tribal agencies to cover costs associated with storm response, debris removal, and repairs to damaged infrastructure. In late March, Whitmer took proactive measures, declaring a state of emergency and deploying the Michigan National Guard to assist in recovery efforts, while also declaring an energy emergency to expedite the delivery of critical supplies to the storm-stricken Upper Peninsula.
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