The Office of the Governor of the State of Michigan

04/11/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/12/2025 20:15

Gov. Whitmer Requests Presidential Emergency Declaration for Northern Michigan Ice Storm Following Meeting with President Trump

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 11, 2025

Gov. Whitmer Requests Presidential Emergency Declaration for Northern Michigan Ice Storm Following Meeting with President Trump

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer requested a Presidential Emergency Declaration (EM) for the State of Michigan, 12 northern counties, and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians following a historic ice storm that knocked out power and communications and left hundreds of miles of roads blocked by fallen trees and debris. The governor made the official request after meeting with President Trump on Wednesday to share an update on damage assessment and recovery efforts. If approved by the president, the EM Declaration would authorize up to $5 million in immediate public assistance to support emergency efforts, including debris management needs.

"Following historic ice storms in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, we are bringing an all-hands-on-deck approach to help get the power back on, clear roads, and keep people safe," said Governor Whitmer. "I declared a state of emergency, deployed the national guard, and took key steps to expedite recovery. But our work is just beginning. I met with President Trump and submitted a request for a federal emergency declaration that will support local communities and counties with more resources as they recover from this devastating storm. We'll continue coordinating closely with first-responders, local communities, and Michiganders on the ground. Michiganders are strong, and we'll get through this together."

As response efforts continue and recovery begins, emergency protective operations remain ongoing, including sheltering and the continued distribution of life-sustaining resources and supplies.

"Approval of this request would bring critical federal resources to support local response operations that are still ongoing," said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police. "This is a necessary step while we work toward the broader disaster declaration that will bring additional relief."

While an Emergency Declaration does not provide FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) for residents or Public Assistance (PA) for local and tribal government, the request does not impact or delay the ongoing process to pursue a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration, which is required to access those longer-term recovery programs.

To evaluate eligibility for that broader assistance, the State of Michigan will conduct Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) beginning the week of April 20.

These joint assessments will determine whether the extent of damage meets federal thresholds for a Major Disaster Declaration. Based on the results, the state may request:

  • Individual Assistance (IA) - direct help for homeowners and renters
  • Public Assistance (PA) - reimbursement for local governments and tribal agencies for response costs, debris removal, and repair of damaged infrastructure

On March 31, Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency to respond to the storm's impact. The declaration initially covered 10 counties and has since expanded to include Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle counties. Governor Whitmer also deployed the Michigan National Guard to provide more personnel and specialized equipment to help with ice storm recovery efforts in northern Michigan. Lastly, the Governor Whitmer declared an energy emergency in the Upper Peninsula to help expedite delivery of fuel and other critical supplies to impacted areas.

The full letter to request a Presidential Emergency Declaration (EM) is here.

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