Governor Snyder Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration for Genesee County Due to Flooding

Contact: Nicole Lisabeth, MSP/EMHSD Public Information Officer, (517) 336-6464

Agency: State Police

LANSING - Gov. Rick Snyder today requested President Barack Obama to declare a major disaster for the State of Michigan as a result of heavy rainfall and flood damage that occurred in Genesee County from May 3-5.

This incident is of such severity and magnitude, Snyder requested supplementary federal aid in the form of Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Assistance.  If federal aid is granted, assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses as well as other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the flooding.  The request does not include assistance for costs incurred by emergency response agencies or repair costs for damaged public infrastructure, such as roads or bridges.

"I commend our first responders and volunteer organizations for acting quickly to ensure the safety of citizens affected by this flooding event," said Snyder.  "I am requesting federal assistance to make available additional resources to further help our residents recover from this significant incident in Genesee County."

At the request of the state, three federal Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) teams were in Michigan May 14-16 verifying and reviewing the most severely damaged homes and businesses throughout Genesee County.  Personnel with the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) assessed the results from the PDA and determined the extent of damage may reach the level for receiving federal assistance.

Snyder's request will be reviewed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which will advise the President whether a disaster or emergency declaration should be granted.  If FEMA Individual Assistance is granted, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans will also be made available.  In the event FEMA Individual Assistance is not granted, Snyder may file a supplementary request for SBA assistance.

Snyder declared a state of emergency in Genesee County on May 11 making available state resources to help address any remaining threats to public health and safety due to the storms and severe flooding. 

The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is responsible for coordinating state and federal resources to assist local government in response and relief activities in the event of an emergency or disaster, as well as coordinating homeland security initiatives and various federal grants.

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