Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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May 16, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2025
Contact: press@michigan.gov
Gov. Whitmer Submits Request for Major Disaster Declaration to Help Northern Michigan Recover & Rebuild from Devastating Ice Storm
After approval from President, resources can go out the door for people, businesses, and communities
LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer submitted a formal request for a major disaster declaration to help Northern Michigan recover and rebuild from the historic ice storms that hit the region hard in late March. The storms knocked down power lines, blocked roads, and damaged homes and businesses across the northern lower and upper peninsulas. The governor’s request, compiled with on-the-ground support from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will allow federal aid to start flowing directly to families, businesses, and communities if approved by President Trump.
“The ice storms in March hit Northern Michigan hard, and we need a major disaster declaration from the federal government to help families, small businesses, and communities recover and rebuild,” said Governor Whitmer. “After the storm, I’m proud of the way that Michiganders came together, like we always do. I’m grateful to the first responders, the line workers, and the countless kind-hearted neighbors who went the extra mile to help those in need. Now, we need to get resources out the door and into people’s pockets as fast as possible. I already brought this up in my meeting with the President, and I hope he approves our request.”
Process to Receive a Major Disaster Declaration
To evaluate eligibility for a major disaster declaration, the State of Michigan conducted Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) with FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). These assessments determined that the extent of damage met federal thresholds for a Major Disaster Declaration. Based on the results, the state has requested:
“The response and recovery from this event required tremendous cooperation and support from locals, the state, volunteer agencies, and private industry,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD). “We will continue to support all recovery efforts to the best of our ability while working to ensure local communities have access to the financial support they need.”
Governor Whitmer also previously asked for an Emergency Declaration after meeting with President Trump, which would authorize up to $5 million in immediate public assistance to support emergency efforts, including debris management needs.
A joint Preliminary Damage Assessment with local, state, and federal officials was conducted between April 22 and May 6 to assess and validate the most severely affected areas. Based on the findings, state officials determined the damage met the threshold to request federal assistance.
Governor Whitmer’s request will be reviewed by FEMA, which will advise President Trump on whether a disaster declaration is warranted.
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