Governor Whitmer appeals FEMA federal aid denial for Southwest Michigan counties impacted by March and April tornados

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently rejected an application for disaster aid for individual homeowners struggling to rebuild, but the Governor is now appealing that decision.

Lauren Thompson is the Public Information and Preparedness Section Manager for Michigan State Police's Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division.

She explained what Governor Whitmer was requesting.

"In this case we’re talking about the individual assistance, which is specifically for homeowners, so it could definitely help support their clean-up, but this money would be money that directly goes to residents, private business owners that are struggling after the disaster," explained Thompson.

The State's request was made directly to the White House through FEMA.

"In this case, it was made for the individual assistance program through FEMA and then that was denied. So, after we were denied that major disaster declaration that had been requested, the Governor decided that she was going to appeal that decision which can also be part of the process, in hopes that it's reconsidered and that we could potentially get federal assistance for our residents in need."

Thompson says the appeal is part of the process and isn't the last resort when looking for ways to get help for people impacted by the tornados. When it comes to disasters, she says the Small Business Administration loan is a key resource.

"It’s not necessarily what I would call free money from FEMA that doesn’t need to be paid back. It' is in the form of loans; these are very low interest and tailored specifically to help people affected by disasters. The interest is much lower than a credit card," said Thompson.

In Governor Whitmer's statement, she says in part:

“While I’m disappointed that FEMA denied our request for individual assistance, our work is not over. We will keep fighting to deliver the support our residents deserve, and help affected communities recover and rebuild... On March 6, four tornadoes with intensities ranging from EF-0 to EF-3 impacted southwest Michigan. Communities near Edwardsburg, Cass County, in and around the city of Three Rivers, St. Joseph County, and along the north side of Union Lake in Union City, Branch County, were among the hardest hit. The tornadoes damaged or destroyed numerous homes and businesses, overturned vehicles, and sheared trees. A 12-year-old child in Cass County, and three adults in Union City lost their lives, making it the deadliest tornado outbreak in Michigan in nearly 50 years. The storm also caused significant power outages across the region."

To learn about the Small Business Administration loan, click here.