Committee Reports Disaster Funding

The House Appropriations Committee reported legislation appropriating $75 million to aid in disaster relief for northern Michigan.

Highlights:

• • HB 4328 was introduced by Representative Parker Fairbairn (R-Harbor Springs).
  • The bill provides relief for Northern Michigan communities that received a days-long ice storm in late March.
    • More than 100,000 homes and businesses lost power.
    • Fallen trees and damaged power lines left many roads impassable.
  • The funds would provide the 25% state match for federal funding tied to a future federal disaster declaration.
  • Michigan State Police recently estimated recovery efforts will cost upwards of $200 million.
  • The funding would support disaster relief grants, which aid local communities in emergency management assistance, continue operation of warming centers, purchase of emergency supplies, cleanup and recovery efforts, unemployment benefits, and temporary employment opportunities for displaced workers, energy assistance, and repair or replacement of damaged infrastructure.

Next Steps:

• • The bill was sent to the House floor for consideration.