On July 29, Michigan Governor Gretchen 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 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.”
Among the assistance provided, $1,601,555 is going to those areas in southwest Michigan impacted by recent tornadoes.
On May 7, 2024, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes struck the southwest part of the state. The storm system resulted in?roughly sixteen?injuries and caused?significant damage?to homes, businesses, and the power grid. Hail ranging from?one?to?four?inches in diameter was also reported along with dangerous straight-line winds. Debris removal and other storm-related clean-up has lasted several weeks. Whitmer declared a state of Emergency for Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties. Those counties applied for DECF funding.
“I am extremely appreciative of the Governor for her recognition of the costs of the natural disasters that have happened in Kalamazoo County and across the state,” said state Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo). “In these days of climate change, we are facing a number of increasing natural events that cause significant damage. With that in mind, I want to share my gratitude for the grant from the State DECF to Kalamazoo County. We look forward to helping not only the governments funding the clean-up, but also working to restore the vibrant communities impacted.”
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 additional information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit www.michigan.gov/miready.
“Today’s disaster assistance will help Michiganders in 17 counties recover after tornadoes, flooding, and rapid snowmelt,” said 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.”
Among the assistance provided, $1,601,555 is going to those areas in southwest Michigan impacted by recent tornadoes.
On May 7, 2024, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes struck the southwest part of the state. The storm system resulted in?roughly sixteen?injuries and caused?significant damage?to homes, businesses, and the power grid. Hail ranging from?one?to?four?inches in diameter was also reported along with dangerous straight-line winds. Debris removal and other storm-related clean-up has lasted several weeks. Whitmer declared a state of Emergency for Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties. Those counties applied for DECF funding.
“I am extremely appreciative of the Governor for her recognition of the costs of the natural disasters that have happened in Kalamazoo County and across the state,” said state Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo). “In these days of climate change, we are facing a number of increasing natural events that cause significant damage. With that in mind, I want to share my gratitude for the grant from the State DECF to Kalamazoo County. We look forward to helping not only the governments funding the clean-up, but also working to restore the vibrant communities impacted.”
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 additional information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit www.michigan.gov/miready.
