Following Governor Rick Snyder’s appeal for Federal Individual Assistance after the Father’s Day floods, Congressman Jack Bergman sent the below letter to President Donald Trump:
Dear Mr. President:
I write in support of Governor Rick Snyder’s Individual Assistance appeal for those affected by the June 16-18 mud-slides and storm damage in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
I am deeply appreciative that your Administration has approved the Public Assistance request for Houghton, Menominee, and Gogebic Counties and for the quick response by federal agencies to work hand in hand with the state and local officials. However, there is still much work left to be done. When I arrived in Houghton less than 48 hours after the initial storm damage occurred, I was encouraged by the determination and will of the communities. Neighbors joined hand in hand to help neighbors who had lost everything in the overnight storms. The immediate relief efforts by local and state authorities, first responders, road crews, and volunteers has been remarkable.
On August 10, I returned to Houghton for the third time since the storm damage occurred, to meet with local residents and officials. As highlighted in the Governors appeal, the need for Individual Assistance is still very important, and with the winter months quickly approaching, it’s imperative this assistance is received in a timely manner.
The evidence of damage in the affected counties has been made clear by the granting of Public Assistance and while that will go a long way in helping us rebuild critical infrastructure, I remain concerned about the initial denial for Individual Assistance. It is my hope that you consider Governor Snyder’s appeal of that denial, and continue your Administration’s efforts to help Michigan’s First District recover.
A link to the full letter to President Trump can be found HERE.
