Moolenaar, Michigan Delegation Urge Swift Approval of Major Disaster Declaration

Congressman John Moolenaar along with U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and all members of the Michigan Congressional Delegation called on President Trump to swiftly issue a Major Disaster declaration for Michigan following the severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, high winds, large hail, and torrential rainfall across the state in April. In their letter, the lawmakers supported Governor Gretchen Whitmer's request for assistance for 37 counties in the state, including Barry, Clare, Eaton, Gratiot, Lake, Manistee, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Wexford Counties in Michigan's Second Congressional District. The National Weather Service issued a record number of flood warnings and advisories for Michigan this past April.

"The historic flooding and major storms this spring brought significant damages to communities across our state. Since April, local leaders and first responders throughout the Second District have worked tirelessly to recover from this crisis. Still, residents and the effected communities are facing substantial costs to rebuild. I support Governor Whitmer's request of President Trump to declare a major disaster. Today, I joined my Michigan Congressional colleagues to urge FEMA to approve this request so Michigan communities can get access to the resources they need," said Moolenaar.

In their letter the lawmakers wrote, "Starting on April 10, much of Michigan experienced multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, tornadoes, high winds, and large hail, resulting in flash flooding and major to record river flooding. These conditions forced hundreds of residents to be displaced from their homes, temporarily or permanently while others were left stranded on their properties." 

The lawmakers continued: "Residents now face financial hardship for years to come without federal assistance as they attempt to repair and restore their damaged homes to pre-disaster condition, repair or replace mechanical and electrical systems, and replace personal belongings. In addition to the impact on individuals and residences, the extreme weather caused widespread power outages and impacted water and wastewater systems. Dams had to be closely monitored with flood-mitigation measures put in place, in addition to downed trees and the accumulation of debris, and the degradation of agriculture and environmentally sensitive areas." 

State and federal officials estimate the storm caused over $23 million in Public Assistance-related damages, necessitated $15 million in housing and living assistance, and impacted thousands of homes, businesses, and infrastructure components. This is the seventh state-declared disaster that Michigan has experienced in the last two years, and federal assistance is a critical component for Michiganders to fully recover. 

"We commend the great work the federal government has done in helping Michigan recover from previous disasters," continued the lawmakers. "However, in the absence of a federal disaster declaration, Michigan will not have the capacity to ensure these communities receive the aid they need to fully recover. We urge your timely review and approval of this request."  

Text of the letter is available here.