Gov. Rick Snyder on Monday announced the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved his request for a physical and economic disaster declaration for Houghton County.
The declaration means residents and businesses affected by severe flooding in June are eligible to apply for financial assistance.
The declaration covers the neighboring counties of Baraga, Iron, Keweenaw and Ontonagon.
“I want to thank the SBA for making disaster assistance available to the individuals and businesses affected by the severe flooding,” Snyder said. “Getting our communities and businesses back on their feet is essential. The availability of these loans will bring some relief as they work to recover and rebuild.”
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.
The SBA disaster assistance program provides low-interest disaster loans for uninsured losses incurred by homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, inventory and business assets that have been damaged or destroyed. The SBA tailors the repayment of each disaster loan to the borrower’s financial capability.
The SBA will establish a disaster loan outreach center in the affected area for one-on-one assistance. Loan applications will also be made available online or by mail.
Additional information about the SBA disaster assistance program is available at www.sba.gov.
Gov. 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.
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.
