Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer submitted an appeal to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in response to their denial of statewide activation of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), an assistance program that develops local preparedness and mitigates the risk and damages from future disasters. In June, FEMA declared Major Disaster status for counties across the state in response to severe April storms, flooding, and tornadoes that devastated multiple communities in Michigan. While FEMA activated Individual Assistance and Public Assistance programs for 37 Michigan counties, the request to activate the HMGP statewide was denied.
“Hazard mitigation helps Michigan communities be resilient and ready for any future disasters,” said Governor Whitmer. “Many of our neighbors are still rebuilding from the severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes that hit Michigan in the spring. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is an important asset to keep these communities prepared for the future. In response to other disasters, we’ve seen HMGP-funded mitigation projects reduce damages and costs. I am urging FEMA to reconsider their decision and activate the HMGP for all 83 counties in Michigan. Let’s keep working together to keep Michiganders safe and prepared for the future.”
“These funds help make communities more resilient, and denying this funding as our great state recovers from the flooding and storms we faced in April needlessly makes Michigan more vulnerable to future disasters,” said U.S. Senator Gary Peters. “I urge the Trump Administration to swiftly approve this request so that folks in our state can get the federal assistance they deserve without further delays.”
“The floods in Michigan were devastating for so many families and communities,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. “The federal government must stand by Michiganders recovering from this disaster, which is why I urge the administration to consider this appeal after denying access to critical federal funding. We cannot leave any person, family, or small business behind.”
The letter calls on FEMA to reconsider their decision to deny statewide activation of the HMPG. On June 26, 2026, FEMA declared Major Disaster FEMA-4925-DR for the State of Michigan in response to severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that impacted the state between April 10 and April 21, 2026. The declaration activated the Individual Assistance (IA) program and/or the Public Assistance (PA) program for a total of 37 counties within the state. At the time, the state’s request for activation of the HMGP for all 83 counties was still under review, and on July 8, 2026, the request was denied. The HMGP allocates funding for projects that make communities more resilient in the face of natural disasters, including vital updates to infrastructure.
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