The funds will go to repairs in three U. P. counties hit by a June flash flood.
The federal government has authorized at least $29.8 million to help three communities in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula recover from violent flash flooding in June.
Despite Gov. Rick Snyder’s requests to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), federal funding will not be available to help homeowners or businesses make repairs.
On June 17 strong storms moved across the western U. P., dropping seven to 10 inches of rain in several hours — enough water to damage roads and bridges in Houghton, Gogebic and Menominee counties. As many as 60 sinkholes were reported across the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Photos show Michigan’s U. P. devastation after flash flooding emergency
President Donald Trump declared a major disaster for Gogebic, Houghton and Menominee counties on Aug. 3.
So far, the Federal Highway Administration has sent $2 million to make emergency repairs on roads and bridges.
Now, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) public assistance program has identified more than $29.8 million in eligible damages. Of that figure, $3.7 million will be funded by the state and $3.7 million will be funded by the three counties impacted, state officials announced Friday, Sept. 7.
The disaster aid available from FEMA covers road repairs (except for federal highways), debris removal; repair, replacement or restoration of publicly-owned facilities and certain nonprofit organizations, as well as life-saving emergency protective measures.
However, FEMA has declined Snyder’s request and subsequent appeal for funding to aid homeowners and businesses in their recovery from the June storm.
“Given the sensitive financial situation facing the Upper Peninsula communities affected by this disaster, I have authorized the state to step in and provide a match of $3.7 million toward the cost local public agencies must cover to receive public assistance,” Snyder said in a statement. “We remain committed to ensuring both public facilities and individual homeowners and businesses get the resources and assistance they need to recover from this disaster.”
Snyder is now seeking a disaster declaration from the Small Business Association that would make low-interest loans available to certain residents and businesses impacted by the flooding.
$2M in federal aid coming to fix U. P. roads damaged in flash floods
U. P. flooding prompts Michigan officials to request federal disaster declaration
