LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) of the Michigan State Police is on a mission to fortify local communities against the wrath of Mother Nature with a valuable initiative.
Thanks to the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund program, $150 million in federal funding is up for grabs in 2024. The STORM Act, a program spearheaded by U.S. Senator Gary Peters of Michigan, empowers FEMA to collaborate with states and tribal governments in establishing low- interest loan funds dedicated to disaster mitigation.
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Michigan communities hold the key to unlocking this treasure trove and the MSP/EMHSD is rallying the troops, urging communities to submit their project proposals for FEMA’s consideration. The money will be used to help fortify against the relentless onslaught of events including the severe storms, extreme flooding, and shoreline erosion plaguing the Great Lakes state.
Help is on the way to weather the storms.
Senator Peters, championing the cause, emphasizes the critical need for federal assistance in investing in disaster mitigation projects, saying, “I passed legislation creating the Safeguarding Tomorrow program to ensure that Michigan communities can get the federal assistance they need to invest in disaster mitigation projects. I’m grateful to the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division for their work to ensure our communities can access these critical resources and protect against future natural disasters.”
Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the MSP/ EMHSD has also weighed in on the initiative by saying, “Just within the last year we’ve seen the effects of natural disasters across our state in the form of flooding, wildfires, and severe weather.”
He adds, “The Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund program helps local governments invest in resilient infrastructure projects to keep residents and communities safe.”
Funding can be used in many areas.
The scope of eligible projects is vast, covering everything from droughts and intense heat waves to severe storms, tornadoes, bone-chilling winter weather, wildfires, earthquakes, flooding, shoreline erosion and more.
Funds can be used for many things including reinforcing flood defenses, implementing zoning changes, and enforcing building codes.
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