WASHINGTON, D.C. -- President Trump apprised Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this week that he has authorized $50 million in federal funds to help cover expenses northern Michigan incurred in a late-March ice storm.
Some emergency managers said it was the worst ice storm to hit Michigan in a century. It brought down not only power lines but damaged utility towers. Trees were toppled, and roads, houses and buildings were damaged in 10 counties where Whitmer sought a Major Disaster Declaration.
She posted on social media that she is glad the President has committed federal funds to help communities impacted by the historic ice storm damage.
"We have more details to gather, but I'm grateful for this response to my requests of the White House," she said.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency posted more information on its website. The State of Michigan also posted some resource information online.
Michigan House Republicans issued a statement from State Representative Ken Borton, R-Gaylord, applauding the announcement of federal disaster assistance for northern Michigan.
"The relief will provide much-needed support following the severe ice storms that struck the region earlier this year. We couldn’t be more grateful to the President and his team for delivering on relief dollars we so desperately need. Our communities banded together and got through the storms last winter, but just by the skin of our teeth. These federal dollars will finally take us from ‘just getting by’ to ‘getting back to normal.’”
###