July 09, 2018
Monday, July 9, 2018
Federal resources could help communities recover from historic storms
LANSING, MICH. – Lt. Gov. Brian Calley today requested that President Donald Trump declare a major disaster for the State of Michigan as a result of the flash flooding that occurred in Houghton, Gogebic and Menominee counties on June 16-17. The request comes
at the conclusion of an in-depth assessment of damage to the area.
Calley has requested supplementary federal aid in the form of Public Assistance and Individual Assistance to help eligible residents, businesses and local governments because of the severity and magnitude of the flooding.
If federal aid is granted, assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help people and businesses recover from the effects of the flooding. This request also includes assistance for costs incurred by state and local governments due to damage to public facilities and infrastructures, such as schools and roads.
“I commend our first responders, volunteer organizations and local residents for pulling together to recover from this historic flooding, and we continue to look for any available resources to help these communities rebuild,” said Lt. Gov. Calley. “I’m now asking the federal government for it’s support in offering additional resources to further assist with the recovery efforts.”
Based on information provided by the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, state leaders requested a joint Preliminary Damage Assessment with federal and local leaders to review and validate the most severely damaged homes, businesses and public facilities in the affected counties.
The teams conducted their assessments from June 26-29. State officials reviewed the results and determined the extent of damage reached the level necessary to apply for federal help.
Calley’s request will be reviewed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which will advise President Trump whether a disaster declaration should be granted. Ultimately, the President will determine whether to provide federal assistance.
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.
Article V Section 26 of the Michigan Constitution gives authority for the lieutenant governor to act as governor when the governor is out of state.
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