North Michigan News

Today, U.S. Representative Jack Bergman and Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that President Donald Trump has approved Michigan's request for a disaster declaration. This decision aims to aid communities in Northern Michigan that were affected by the severe ice storm earlier this year. The storm caused significant damage, disrupting power and communication lines and blocking roads with debris.

"President Trump's approval of a Major Disaster Declaration for the counties impacted by March’s devastating ice storm is welcome news," said U.S. Representative Jack Bergman. "I'm grateful to his Administration for working to get this done."

Governor Whitmer also expressed her gratitude: "Yesterday, I spoke to President Trump who confirmed that communities in Northern Michigan impacted by the historic ice storm damage earlier this year will start to receive federal disaster funding."

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II added, "This federal emergency declaration will help local leaders, communities, and Northern Michigan families get back on their feet."

U.S. Senator Gary Peters remarked on the ongoing efforts: "The State of Michigan and local emergency managers continue to work hard because this job is not finished."

Col. James F. Grady II from the Michigan State Police emphasized the importance of federal support: "This federal declaration is a crucial next step."

The disaster declaration enables access to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance in several counties including Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Kalkaska, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle Counties and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.

Rep. Jack Bergman played a pivotal role by leading efforts within the Michigan Congressional Delegation urging for this declaration.

The state had already declared a state of emergency and taken various measures including deploying the National Guard to assist in recovery efforts.

Residents and business owners affected can apply for assistance via FEMA's website or through their helpline.

Additionally, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has granted an administrative disaster declaration for Cheboygan County and surrounding areas.