FEMA denies May 7 tornado disaster declaration

BRANCH COUNTY — Victims of the May 7 tornado won't be getting help from the government, Tim Miner, the county emergency manager, said after Federal Emergency Management Agency denied the governor's request for a major disaster declaration.

With multiple homes unrepaired and nine destroyed in Sherwood Township, Miner said, "There's not a lot for under or uninsured people or even agricultural property that was under or uninsured."

The governor requested help for Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties. FEMA officials surveyed the areas in the week following the storm.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell wrote, "Based on our review of all of the information available, it has been determined that the damage from this event was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the state, affected local governments, and voluntary agencies."

Miner pointed out funds are limited. "There's a lot going on in the world with the gross number of tornadoes across the country. And we're just entering hurricane season," he said.

Miner said Branch County tried to put itself in the best position for help.

Sen. Sean McCann called on Wednesday for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to appeal the FEMA decision.

Prior story Tornado damage assessments underway, with some federal help expected

Miner said people in the impacted area still have damaged housing, buildings, and trees that need to be removed. "There's not a pot of money sitting somewhere we can tap into."

Branch County applied to the state for reimbursement of $30,000, which the Branch County Road Commission expended for tree removal and disposal for local governments.

The new state budget includes $2 million for disaster reimbursement, but questions remain about how many requests can be covered. Miner said, "There's really no guarantee that local governments can recoup their losses."

The emergency manager said residents and groups are working together. "There's some really good stuff going on in Sherwood through the Community Foundation," he said.

Those interested in helping can call the Branch County Community Foundation at (517) 278-4517.

"There are people who just need help," Miner said.

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The National Weather Service said the twin EF-2 and EF-1 tornados in Sherwood Township caused significant damage along a six-mile path in Branch County, especially in the Arney Road area.

Just after 6 p.m. on May 7, four twisters, with winds as high as 130 mph, caused damage in the four counties along a 19-mile route.

— Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: FEMA denies May 7 tornado disaster declaration