GRANHOLM - Governor Granholm Requests Presidential Declaration for 12 Counties Hit by Severe Weather June 6-13

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today sent a request to President Bush asking him to declare a major disaster for the state of Michigan as a result of heavy rainfall, flooding, and wind damage that occurred in a 12-county area from June 6 through June 13. The counties include: Allegan, Barry, Eaton, Ingham, Lake, Manistee, Mason, Missaukee, Osceola, Ottawa, Saginaw and Wexford.

"I commend our first responders throughout the state for acting quickly to ensure the safety of Michigan citizens, and I hope federal aid is made available to further help these communities recover," Granholm said. "In my letter to the president, I have made it clear that without an infusion of federal disaster relief assistance, the local communities in the 12 affected counties and their citizens will undoubtedly suffer for years to come."

This incident is of such severity and magnitude, Granholm requested supplementary federal aid in the form of public assistance and hazard mitigation assistance to help cover some of the costs incurred by state and local government in responding to the severe weather and flooding events. The request does not include assistance for individuals or businesses.

Four federal preliminary damage assessment (PDA) teams were in Michigan June 24-26 verifying and reviewing public damage in each of the 12 affected counties. The PDA teams indicated the most severe public damages include roads, bridges, culverts, water control structures, power generation facilities, and county and inter-county drain systems.

Current estimates indicate that the state of Michigan and the 12 affected counties expended nearly $19.5 million on emergency measures to save lives, protect public health and safety as well as damage to public infrastructure.

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