Millions in disaster funding given for flooding, tornadoes

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Millions from the state’s Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund will be providing financial assistance following three state of emergency declarations, the governor’s office said.

“Today’s disaster assistance will help Michiganders in 17 counties recover after tornadoes, flooding, and rapid snowmelt,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a release. “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.”

Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties will receive $4,267,753 after several storm fronts brought heavy rain, strong winds and seven tornados on Aug. 24, 2023.

Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties will receive $1,601,555 after severe thunderstorms and tornadoes hit the area on May 7, 2024.

“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,” State Sen. Sean McCann, D-Kalamazoo, said in a release. “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.”

Baraga, Iron, Houghton, Gogebic, Marquette and Ontonagon counties will also receive $5,127,901 due to rapid snowmelt in April 2023 led to floodwaters that damaged roads, bridges, utilities, homes, businesses and more.

The disaster funding can be used to help respond to a disaster or emergency, cover overtime for public employees, contacts, shelter supplies, gasoline and repairs to public buildings and roads.

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