FEMA Awards $1 Million Grant to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that $1,057,908 in Public Assistance Program funding has been made available to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for disaster-related debris removal from waterways in Houghton County.

This funding is part of FEMA’s recovery efforts in response to the federal disaster declaration on August 2, 2018. The grant will reimburse the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for costs incurred for emergency protective measures following the severe storms, flooding and landslides that occurred between June 16, 2018 and June 18, 2018.

“FEMA’s Public Assistance Program is an important resource for communities after a disaster,” said FEMA Region V Administrator James K. Joseph. “This grant funding allows for disaster-related debris to be removed so recovery efforts in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula can continue unimpeded.”

“Houghton County continues to deal with the devastation caused by last year’s severe weather and flash flooding,” said Insp. James Grady, assistant commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. “This funding will help the community address the impacts of this disaster.”

FEMA will pay 75 percent of the $1,410,544 eligible project cost. The Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for debris removal, disaster cleanup and emergency actions taken to protect lives or property.