FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2002  Release #: 003

Lansing, MI -- Federal disaster funds have been made available for Michigan to help communities in the counties of Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Marquette and Ontonagan recover from the effects of recent floods that struck the western part of the Upper Peninsula.

Michigan’s Deputy State Director of Emergency Management, Captain John Ort, said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued by President Bush following a review of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s analysis of the state's request for federal relief. The declaration covers damage to public property from the floods that began April 15.

Under the declaration, federal funds will be provided for the state and affected local governments in the five counties to pay 75 percent of the eligible cost for debris removal, emergency services related to the floods, and the restoration of damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and utilities. The declaration also makes cost-shared funding available to the state for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks. The federal declaration does not make any assistance available to individuals in the affected area.

The Emergency Management Division of the Michigan State Police is currently working to schedule applicant briefings at locations to be announced shortly in the affected areas. The briefings will explain procedures for requesting assistance.