FEMA Announces Additional Public Assistance for Michigan Utilities

CHICAGO- Last week, President Donald J. Trump amended Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-4880-DR-MI to authorize Public Assistance Category F (Public Utilities) for all previously designated counties and the federally recognized tribal government affected by severe storms that impacted Michigan last year.

This amendment allows FEMA to reimburse eligible costs to repair and restore damaged electric infrastructure, including facilities owned by nonprofit electric cooperatives that serve rural communities in northern Michigan.

"Thanks to President Trump and the administration, Michigan's disaster declaration is now expanded to cover utility damages," said Karen S. Evans, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the FEMA Administrator. "This funding will help several rural electric cooperatives and other impacted utilities repair their systems faster and help stabilize energy costs for families and small businesses in northern Michigan."

Non-profit electric cooperatives serving rural areas of northern Michigan, including Great Lakes Energy and Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-Op, have reported approximately millions of dollars in storm-related damage to their systems. Those cooperatives and other eligible applicants may now apply through the state of Michigan for FEMA Public Assistance under Category F, in addition to previously approved emergency work categories. Under the Public Assistance program, FEMA generally funds at least 75% of eligible costs, with the remainder coming from non-federal sources.

FEMA, Michigan State Police - Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, and local and tribal officials have already been working closely with affected utilities on eligible projects and will now conduct new damage assessments and project development under the amended declaration. This work will continue over the coming months as more details become available.

The Stafford Act allows the president to approve and amend major disaster declarations when additional data and analysis show that disaster impacts exceed the capabilities of state, tribal and local governments and eligible private non-profit organizations. The amendment to this disaster was approved after further review of damage information submitted by the state and its partners.

For more information about the FEMA Public Assistance program and the recovery process in Michigan, applicants will receive guidance from FEMA and MSP/EMHSD during scheduled applicant briefings and through ongoing one-on-one support. FEMA is committed to its continued partnership with the state of Michigan and tribal officials to support ongoing recovery efforts.