Governor Whitmer Allocates Nearly $11 Million for Disaster Relief Across Michigan

Photo byOffice of the Michigan Governor

Lansing, MI – Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced on July 29, 2024, that $10,997,209 in disaster funding will be distributed to 17 counties across the state. The funds, sourced from the state's Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund (DECF), aim to aid recovery efforts following severe weather events that have affected both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas over the past 16 months.

"Today's disaster assistance will help Michiganders in 17 counties recover after tornadoes, flooding, and rapid snowmelt," stated 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, a state of emergency was declared for Alger, Baraga, Dickinson, Iron, Houghton, Gogebic, Marquette, and Ontonagon counties due to rapid snowmelt. The unusually warm temperatures combined with record precipitation resulted in extensive flooding, which damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, utilities, and homes. The floodwaters overwhelmed stormwater and sewer systems, burst dams, and caused significant failures in culverts and embankments.

Lower Peninsula Tornadoes and Flooding: $4,267,753

On August 24, 2023, severe weather swept through the Lower Peninsula, bringing heavy rains, strong winds, and seven tornadoes. A state of emergency was declared in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne counties. The storms caused road and bridge closures, widespread damage to homes and buildings, and significant flooding. Thousands of homeowners reported residential flooding, with many areas experiencing downed trees and power lines.

Southwest Michigan Tornadoes: $1,601,555

On May 7, 2024, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes impacted Southwest Michigan, including Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties. The storms caused sixteen injuries, significant property damage, and disruption to the power grid. The affected areas experienced hail, straight-line winds, and substantial debris. Cleanup efforts have been ongoing for several weeks.

State Senator Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) expressed gratitude for the assistance, emphasizing the increasing frequency of natural disasters due to climate change. "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," McCann said.

The DECF funds can be utilized for disaster response costs, including overtime for public employees, contracts, shelter supplies, gasoline, and repairs to public buildings and roads. The Michigan State Police's Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) will oversee the administration of these grants.

For more information on preparing for emergencies, visit www.michigan.gov/miready or follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS.