Gov. Whitmer awards nearly $11M in Disaster Funding to 17 Michigan counties, 6 in the UP (2024)

Published: Jul. 29, 2024 at 6:01 AM EDT|Updated: Jul. 29, 2024 at 7:36 PM EDT

LANSING, Mich. (WLUC) - On Monday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that $10,997,209 from the state’s Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund (DECF) will provide financial assistance to 17 counties across Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas after three state of emergency declarations in the last 16 months.

“Today’s disaster assistance will help Michiganders in 17 counties recover after tornadoes, flooding, and rapid snowmelt,” said Governor Whitmer. “By declaring these disasters and working with our federal partners, we are making more state resources available to impacted areas more quickly and efficiently. Michiganders are tough, and we will rebuild and come back stronger the best way we know how—together.”

Upper Peninsula Rapid Snowmelt: $5,127,901

In April 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency in Alger, Baraga, Dickinson, Iron, Houghton, Gogebic, Marquette, and Ontonagon counties as rapid snowmelt due to warming temperatures and record precipitation led to floodwaters that damaged, roads, bridges, utilities, homes, businesses, and other infrastructure. The flooding overwhelmed stormwater and sewer systems, burst dams, caused culverts and embankments to fail, and damaged other public infrastructure such as drinking water systems. Roadways and bridges suffered the most severe damage, with many left impassable.

Baraga, Iron, Houghton, Gogebic, Marquette, and Ontonagon counties applied for DECF funding.

According to Houghton County Road Commission Highway Engineer Kevin Harju, the county will be distributing the funding between both the commission and county townships.

“The road commission will receive the maximum amount, which is $500,000,” Harju said. “Portage Township will get a little over $180,000, Calumet Township about $140,000, and Franklin Township, $22,500.”

According to Harju, damages county-wide came in at roughly $14,000,00. Additionally, Harju said the funding was expected sooner. Multiple projects across the townships have already been bid on. Now that the funding has arrived, they can get started.

“There are several locations in Calumet Township that we can probably get done this year,” Harju continued. “We also have a street in Portage Township, Gaffney, right next to the Houghton High School, probably won’t be able to be done until next year now that school is starting.”

Ontonagon County will be using its $250,000 differently. The county board’s Vice Chair John Cane said three major roads were damaged during the flooding. Unable to wait for state assistance, the county road commission had to take out a $2,000,000 state infrastructure loan.

“We had to go ahead and proceed to try and get these roads passable again,” Cane said. “And thankfully the governor has come through with those funds and we’ll be using that to offset some of the debt we had to take on.”

Cane adds that the county is reaching out to other resources for further assistance in decreasing the debt.

Lower Peninsula Tornadoes/Flooding: $4,267,753

On August 24, 2023, areas in lower Michigan experienced several storm fronts that brought heavy rain, strong winds, and 7 tornadoes. Gov. Whitmer declared a state of emergency in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne counties as communities across the state experienced road and bridge closures; downed trees and power lines; damage to homes and other building structures, embankments, and road surfaces; overwhelmed stormwater and sewer systems; and deposits of silt and debris. Thousands of homeowners also reported residential flooding.

Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne counties applied for DECF funding.

Southwest Michigan Tornadoes: $1,601,555

On May 7, 2024, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes struck the southwest part of the state. The storm system resulted in roughly sixteen injuries and caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and the power grid. Hail ranging from one to four inches in diameter was also reported along with dangerous straight-line winds. Debris removal and other storm-related clean-up has lasted several weeks. Gov. Whitmer declared a state of Emergency for Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties.

Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties applied for DECF funding.

State statute provides that under extraordinary circ*mstances, the governor may authorize reimbursem*nt from the Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund to provide state assistance to counties and municipalities when federal emergency reimbursem*nt is not available.

The money can be applied toward costs associated with the response to a disaster or emergency, covering overtime for public employees, contracts, shelter supplies, gasoline, and repair of public buildings and roads.

The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management, and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) will administer the grant program.

More information on how to prepare before, during, and after an emergency or disaster can be found here, or follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS.

Copyright 2024 WLUC. All rights reserved.