WASHINGTON, DC (WTVB) – A bipartisan group of Michigan lawmakers is urging President Trump to reverse the denial of a Major Disaster declaration for Southwest Michigan following deadly tornadoes on March 6.
Supporting an appeal by Governor Whitmer, the delegation that includes U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin along with U.S. Representatives Tim Walberg and Bill Huizenga, are requesting federal Individual Assistance for Branch St Joseph and Cass counties as well as statewide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds to address overwhelmed local recovery resources and critical infrastructure damage.
The tornadoes, which reached EF-3 intensity, caused four fatalities, destroyed homes, and necessitated federal support for uninsured residents facing unsafe housing conditions.
In their letter, the lawmakers noted that while state and local governments, volunteer groups, and first responders worked quickly to support survivors, Michigan’s response and recovery capabilities have been overburdened by multiple recent disasters.
In April, Peters led the lawmakers in urging President Trump to declare a Major Disaster for Southwest Michigan in response to the March tornados.
Michigan has also experienced severe storms and flooding that caused damage across 42 counties in April, a disaster request Peters led the entire Michigan Congressional Delegation in urging the Administration to approve.
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