GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has requested an extension from the Federal Emergency Administration Company to proceed to work on the state’s main catastrophe declaration following final month’s historic ice storm.
The storm, which swept by means of over three days in late March, scattered particles over greater than 1,500 miles of street and knocked down 1000’s of energy strains and poles, slicing energy to greater than 100,000 individuals.
Whitmer declared a state of emergency for 10 counties on March 31 and added two extra on April 1.
“The ice storm, followed by multiple days of high wind, resulted in extensive damage to homes and businesses and electrical infrastructure and created impassable roads due to downed trees, power lines and other debris,” Whitmer wrote in her letter to FEMA. “Local jurisdictions continue to be involved in prolonged response operations due to the severity and widespread nature of the impacts from this event.”
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In response to Whitmer’s letter, some residents in three northern Michigan counties have remained with out energy for over three weeks after the top of the storm.
“Local damage assessments have started in some areas but, because of the prolonged response, are not yet completed,” the letter acknowledged.
Whitmer says state companies will want an extension on the formal deadline to get full knowledge.
Republican lawmakers, together with U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman of Watersmeet and Sen. John Damoose of Harbor Springs, assist Whitmer’s request.
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“We hope that Governor Whitmer’s request for an extension is approved by FEMA, because northern Michigan is still in crisis,” Damoose mentioned in a information launch.
“This extra 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,” Bergman acknowledged.
Whitmer’s letter requested a brand new deadline of Could 29.
