Gov. Whitmer seeks presidential disaster declaration to help residents and businesses in Wayne County affected by flooding

Storms brought torrential rains to the Downriver area April 30 through May 3, causing dangerous flooding all over southeast Michigan. (Photo: Carleton West Road closed due to flooding from the rain event)

Posted by The Huron Hub on June 11, 2019

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer requested Tuesday that President Donald Trump declare a major disaster for the state of Michigan as a result of the heavy rainfall and flooding that occurred in Wayne County from April 30–May 3. The request comes at the conclusion of an in-depth assessment of damage to the area.

“Damage to a home and loss of personal property due to flooding can have devastating emotional and financial impacts,” said Whitmer. “Helping the affected residents of Wayne County is our priority, so the state is exploring all its options to help and has asked the federal government for additional resources to assist recovery efforts.”

Photos: Flooding in the Huron area after torrential rain slams region

Whitmer has requested supplementary federal aid in the form of Individual Assistance to help eligible residents because of the severity and magnitude of the flooding.

If federal aid is granted, assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help people and businesses recover from the effects of flooding. This request does not include assistance for costs incurred by state and local governments due to damage to public facilities and infrastructures.

Based on information provided by the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD), state leaders requested a joint Preliminary Damage Assessment with federal and local officials to review and validate the most severely damaged homes and businesses across Wayne County.

The teams conducted their assessments from May 27–29. State officials reviewed the results and determined the extent of damage reached the level necessary to apply for federal aid.

Whitmer’s request will be reviewed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which will advise President Trump whether a disaster declaration should be granted. Ultimately, the President will determine whether to provide federal assistance.