Portage sends more tornado info to bolster FEMA appeal

PORTAGE, Mich. (WOOD) — The state of Michigan is once again preparing to ask the federal government for money and resources to help the southwestern part of the state recover after tornadoes swept through in May.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer first requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration in June to bring federal assistance to Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties after severe weather produced four tornadoes on May 7 . That request was denied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

FEMA said based on the information it received, it decided the storm damage “was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the state, affected local governments, and voluntary agencies.”

The state was granted 30 days to appeal, a deadline that was later extended to Sept. 21. Michigan State Police is working on gathering more destruction to give more information to federal authorities. The city of Portage sent letters to 800 properties, asking for descriptions of damage costs and submitted it to the state. City leaders hope it will help reinforce the need for federal support.

“We are committed to doing everything in our power to secure the assistance our community needs to recover fully. The additional data we have provided will give the state the necessary tools to make a strong appeal to FEMA, and we remain hopeful that this will result in a positive outcome,” wrote City Manager Pat McGinnis in a news release.

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