Governor Whitmer announced that $10,997,209 from the state’s Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund (DECF) will provide financial assistance to 17 counties across Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas after three state of emergency declarations in the last 16 months.
“Today’s disaster assistance will help Michiganders in 17 counties recover after tornadoes, flooding, and rapid snowmelt,” said Governor Whitmer. “By declaring these disasters and working with our federal partners, we are making more state resources available to impacted areas more quickly and efficiently. Michiganders are tough, and we will rebuild and come back stronger the best way we know how—together.”
Upper Peninsula Rapid Snowmelt: $5,127,901
In April 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency in Alger, Baraga, Dickinson, Iron, Houghton, Gogebic, Marquette, and Ontonagon counties as rapid snowmelt due to warming temperatures and record precipitation lead to floodwaters that damaged, roads, bridges, utilities, homes, businesses, and other infrastructure. The flooding overwhelmed storm water and sewer systems, burst dams, caused culverts and embankments to fail, and damaged other public infrastructure such as drinking water systems. Roadways and bridges suffered the most severe damage, with many left impassable.
Baraga, Iron, Houghton, Gogebic, Marquette, and Ontonagon counties applied for DECF funding.
State statute provides that under extraordinary circumstances, the governor may authorize reimbursement from the Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund to provide state assistance to counties and municipalities when federal emergency reimbursement is not available.
The money can be applied toward costs associated with the response to a disaster or emergency, covering overtime for public employees, contracts, shelter supplies, gasoline and repair of public buildings and roads.
The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) will administer the grant program.
For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit www.michigan.gov/miready or follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS.
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