Months after a severe ice storm crippled Northern Michigan, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has denied the state’s appeal for additional disaster relief. The decision follows President Donald Trump’s July approval of a major disaster declaration granting $50 million in recovery aid and public assistance to 13 counties.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer initially welcomed the federal support, saying it would help local governments offset cleanup costs. However, FEMA rejected Michigan’s request for more funding under Public Assistance Category F, which would have supported permanent repairs to utilities such as power, water, and communications infrastructure. The agency also denied requests for Individual Assistance to help residents recover from housing and property losses.
Capt. Kevin Sweeney of the Michigan State Police Emergency Management Division called the denial “disappointing” but emphasized that Michigan remains resilient and capable of managing recovery through state and local resources.
FEMA continues to review Michigan’s separate application for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which aims to reduce long-term disaster risks. The March storm left nearly 100,000 residents without power and caused widespread damage across more than a dozen counties.
The decision mirrors FEMA’s recent rejection of similar aid requests from Wisconsin, signaling a narrower federal disaster funding policy under the Trump administration.
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