Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has formally requested federal assistance following a severe ice storm that ravaged Northern Michigan in late March. Whitmer is seeking a major disaster declaration due to the significant impact on families, small businesses, and communities in the region, as detailed in statements provided to various news outlets.
As per CBS News Detroit, Whitmer has taken steps to liaise with federal agencies to channel support directly to those affected by the ice storm. "The ice storms in March hit Northern Michigan hard, and we need a major disaster declaration from the federal government to help families, small businesses, and communities recover and rebuild," the governor remarked. The request includes aid for homeowners and renters, along with reimbursements for local governments, tribal agencies, and approved non-profit groups to cover repair and cleanup costs.
A recommendation to President Trump will be made by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after it completes its review of the situation. Per data collected via surveys conducted jointly by state officials and FEMA representatives, which took place from April 22 to May 2, the damage was extensive, as reported by UpNorthLive. The storms resulted in over 1.5 inches of ice accumulation, downed power lines, obstructed roads, and inflicted damage on homes and businesses across the northern lower and upper peninsulas.
As per WOODTV, Gov. Whitmer expressed her gratitude to those who contributed to the recovery efforts: "After the storm, I'm proud of the way that Michiganders came together, like we always do. I'm grateful to the first responders, the line workers, and the countless kind-hearted neighbors who went the extra mile to help those in need." The state's request encompasses individual assistance to aid homeowners and renters, as well as public assistance to help local government, nonprofits, and tribal agencies with their response costs, debris removal, and repairs to infrastructure.
Whitmer also sought an Emergency Declaration to unlock up to $5 million in immediate public assistance, which includes debris management, as indicated by CBS News Detroit. This declaration, if approved, would enable swift allocation of resources to bolster emergency efforts, an action that the governor has already raised in her meeting with President Trump, hoping for a positive outcome.
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