Whitmer seeks more time to prepare federal disaster aid request after ice storm
From March 28-30, Northern Michigan was battered by storms that produced several inches of ice, resulting in widespread power outages, fallen trees and impassable roads.
'The historic ice storms in Northern Michigan have required an all-hands-on-deck approach to help get the power back on, clear roads and keep people safe,' Whitmer said in a press release. 'With recovery efforts still ongoing, I am asking FEMA for an extension to submit a major disaster declaration request, so we can get a complete picture of what resources and support these local communities need as they recover from this devastating storm. We'll continue coordinating closely with first-responders, local communities, our federal partners and Michiganders on the ground. Michiganders are strong, and we'll get through this together.'
In the letter, Whitmer asked for an extension until May 29.
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Recovery operations and response to the storm are still in effect more than three weeks later, with local jurisdictions working to identify community needs.
According to the release from Whitmer's office, local damage assessments have been largely completed, paving the way for the Preliminary Damage Assessments that start this week.
U.S. Representative Jack Bergman, along with State Sen. John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs) and State Reps. Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan), Parker Fairbairn (R-Harbor Springs) and Ken Borton (R-Gaylord), spoke in support of the extension request. According to the release, each mentioned that the extreme damage from the storm has limited the ability to have a complete assessment of the resources necessary to rebuild.
'This was a devastating storm that unfolded in slow motion, with wave after wave of ice and trees falling day after day,' Damoose said in a statement. 'Because of the magnitude of the damage, and the fact that it took weeks to even be able to access certain areas within the counties under emergency declaration, damage assessment takes much longer to accurately complete than what one may see in a shorter event like a tornado or hurricane. We hope that Governor Whitmer's request for an extension is approved by FEMA, because Northern Michigan is still in crisis.'
More: Proposed bill would start relief funding to Northern Michigan to help with ice storm toll
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According to Whitmer's office, the State of Michigan will be conducting joint Preliminary Damage Assessments with FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration this week. That will be used to determine whether the extent of the damage from the storm meets the threshold for a Major Disaster Declaration. Depending on the results, the state would be able to request individual assistance and public assistance, offering direct help to homeowners, renters, local governments, nonprofits and more.
The extension request comes just days after Fairbairn proposed House Bill 4328, a $75 million state budget plan aimed to bring state relief to the region recovering from the ice storm. The $75 million would be more than the necessary 25% match from the state if $225 million in federal relief dollars could be secured.
Additionally, Damoose proposed Senate Bill 212, which would forgive the days area schools were not in session during the state of emergency.
Whitmer had declared a state of emergency in Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle counties following the storm.
She visited the region on April 3 and met with local officials and emergency responders. Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II visited on April 4 to survey the damage and talk to residents.
— Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@petoskeynews.com. Follow her on Twitter at @KarlyGrahamJRN.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Whitmer asks FEMA for extension on disaster declaration request after ice storm
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