LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer is requesting a Major Disaster Declaration and activation of the federal individual assistance (IA) programs for Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph.
The declaration sent in a letter to President Joe Biden comes after an assessment of damage to the area when four tornados and severe storms ripped through those counties on May 7.
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“I urge the President to swiftly issue a Major Disaster declaration so that our communities have the necessary resources to rebuild after these storms,” said Democratic U.S. Senator Gary Peters.
Republican U.S. Congressman Bill Huizenga, who represents the areas hit by storms, said the community still needs help in spite of its resilience.
“It is clear there is a role for the federal government to play in supporting recovery efforts,” Congressman Huizenga said. “I am hopeful the Biden Administration will respond swiftly to this request.”
State, federal, and local officials estimate a need of more than $4 million in assistance.
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