WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden approved major disaster relief for Michigan counties impacted by severe weather last summer.
Tornadoes, flooding and severe thunderstorms rattled Kent, Ionia, Ingham, Eaton, Livingston, Oakland, Wayne, Monroe and Macomb counties between Aug. 24 and Aug. 26 in 2023.
The White House says federal funding will be made available to the above counties with Thursday’s declaration. They may be provided in the form of grants for home repairs, short-term housing, loans for uninsured property loss and more.
We’re told funding may also be used to mitigate future hazards.
“Michiganders have been working hard to recover from the tornadoes and storms that caused so much damage across the state this summer,” Governor Whitmer said in response to the funding. “With today’s federal disaster declaration by President Biden, we will get the resources we need to support impacted families, businesses, and communities. Michiganders are tough. We will get through this the way we always have—together."
An agent with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will help direct recovery programs to the counties listed above, White House officials say.
Community members and business owners impacted by the August storms may apply for relief online or by connecting with FEMA at 800-621-3362.
Visit the state of Michigan's website for more on what to do before, during and after a severe weather event and other disasters.
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