LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has requested for extra time from the Federal Emergency Administration Company (FEMA) to submit the state’s request for a serious catastrophe declaration following a extreme ice storm that struck final month.
The ice storm knocked out energy and communications throughout Michigan’s higher and decrease peninsulas. The storm additionally left lots of of miles of roads blocked by fallen timber and particles all through the area.
Michigan State Police cruiser after extreme ice storm (Michigan State Police)
The Workplace of the Governor says Gov. Whitmer requested this extension to make sure native jurisdictions and municipalities are given sufficient time to finish response actions and assess the impacts and damages.
Out-of-state help mobilized to assist northern Michigan ice storm restoration
“With recovery efforts still ongoing, I am asking FEMA for an extension to submit a major disaster declaration request, so we can get a complete picture of what resources and support these local communities need as they recover from this devastating storm. We’ll continue coordinating closely with first responders, local communities, our federal partners, and Michiganders on the ground. Michiganders are strong, and we’ll get through this together,” mentioned Gov. Whitmer in a information launch despatched to six Information.
The Workplace of the Governor says that because of the severity of the ice storm, native organizations proceed to be concerned in extended response and restoration operations.
“This further time will guarantee our communities can absolutely assess the injury attributable to the ice storm and submit a request that precisely displays the wants of our District. It is a important step towards securing the federal sources obligatory for restoration and rebuilding,” mentioned Jack Bergman, U.S. Consultant for Michigan’s First District, in a information launch despatched to six Information.
The State of Michigan will conduct Preliminary Injury Assessments with help from FEMA to guage eligibility for that broader help.
These assessments will decide whether or not the extent of harm meets federal thresholds for a Main Catastrophe Declaration. Primarily based on the outcomes, the state might request:
Particular person Help (IA) – direct assist for owners and renters
Public Help (PA) – reimbursement for native governments, sure non-profit entities, and tribal businesses for response prices, particles elimination, and restore of broken infrastructure
