The state of Michigan will help share the cost of providing matching funds for federal disaster relief to communities in the Upper Peninsula affected by the severe flooding that occurred in Gogebic, Houghton and Menominee counties in June.
Gov. Rick Snyder has authorized the state to match approximately $3.7 million of the 25 percent of matching funds local grant recipients are required to pay under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) public assistance program.
A preliminary damage assessment conducted in June determined that public agencies in the three counties sustained more than $29.8 million in damages eligible for public assistance relief. State and local grant recipients are responsible for matching 25 percent, or approximately $7.4 million, in federal funds in order to receive the maximum amount of relief available.
“Given the sensitive financial situation facing the Upper Peninsula communities affected by this disaster, I have authorized the state to step in and provide a match of $3.7 million toward the cost local public agencies must cover to receive public assistance,” Snyder said. “We remain committed to ensuring both public facilities and individual homeowners and businesses get the resources and assistance they need to recover from this disaster.”
FEMA and the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division will begin developing recovery projects in the three counties affected by the floods.
On Wednesday, Gov. Snyder announced he would seek a physical and economic disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) after FEMA denied the governor’s appeal for individual assistance to the three counties.
Presidential Disaster Declaration Timeline
Gov. Rick Snyder declared a state of disaster for Houghton and Menominee counties on June 18, and added Gogebic County to the declaration on June 21, due to severe weather and widespread flooding, making available state aid and assistance to communities in the disaster area.
By declaring a “state of disaster,” the state of Michigan made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the disaster area, as outlined in the Michigan Emergency Management Plan.
Based on information provided by the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, state leaders requested a joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) with federal and local leaders to review and validate the most severely damaged homes, businesses and public facilities across the affected counties.
The teams conducted their assessments from June 26-29. State officials assessed the results and determined the extent of damage reached the level for receiving federal assistance.
On July 9, Lt. Gov. Calley requested that President Trump declare a major disaster as a result of the flooding damage in Houghton, Gogebic and Menominee counties, which included a request for public and individual assistance from FEMA.
President Trump declared a major disaster for Gogebic, Houghton and Menominee counties on Aug. 3, 2018.
On Aug. 6, FEMA denied the request for individual assistance.
On Aug. 14, Gov. Snyder sent a letter appealing the denial. On Aug. 27, FEMA denied the appeal.
