KALAMAZOO COUNTY, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer is asking the federal government to reconsider disaster relief for Southwest Michigan following a tornado outbreak in May.
Whitmer sent a letter to President Joe Biden via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 5 Administrator Thomas Sivak Wednesday, appealing the government's decision to deny the disaster declaration request in July.
The severe weather that rolled through the state in May produced four confirmed tornadoes which resulted in about 16 injuries and extensive damage to homes. businesses and the power grid.
Whitmer originally requested a major disaster declaration for Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties on June 6 and was denied on July 23.
"Michiganders across southwest Michigan continue to rebuild and recover more than four months after the tornadoes and severe storms caused massive damage across the region,” said Governor Whitmer. “Damage reports continue to come in as people have lost their homes and businesses. In response, I am appealing the denial of a presidential disaster declaration so we can deliver critical financial assistance to support our resilient families, businesses, and communities as they recover.”
The governor is requesting activation of Individual Assistance programs because of reports of difficulties faced by residents due to uninsured home and personal property loss.
A joint preliminary damage assessment was conducted by state, federal and local officials, which estimated a need for $4 million in assistance.
“This appeal is the right decision to help families and small businesses impacted by the May 7 tornadoes and storms across Southwest Michigan,” said U.S. Congressman Bill Huizenga. “Having been on the ground and seeing the aftermath first-hand, it is clear to me that there are still many unmet needs in Kalamazoo County. It is my hope that the Biden-Harris Administration will reverse its denial and make federal assistance available to those impacted in Kalamazoo County and across Southwest Michigan.”
The FEMA Individual Assistance programs can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses as well as other assistance.
