Gov.

Rick Snyder seeks presidential disaster declaration to help

residents, businesses after Southeast Michigan flooding
Federal resources could help communities recover from historic storm
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014
LANSING, Mich. Gov. Rick Snyder today requested President Obama declare a major disaster for
the state of Michigan as a result of the flash flooding that occurred in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne
counties on Aug. 11. The request comes at the conclusion of in-depth, two-week long assessment
of damage to the area.
Snyder requested supplementary federal aid in the form of Individual Assistance and Public
Assistance to help eligible residents and state and local government entities because of the severity
and magnitude of the flooding.
If federal aid is granted, assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-
cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help people and businesses
recover from the effects of the flooding. Public assistance helps cover some of the costs incurred by
state and local governments due to damage to public facilities and infrastructures, such as schools
and roads.
So many communities were devastated by the historic flood, and were looking for every available
resource to help them recover, Snyder said. I was proud of the way Michiganders pulled together
to help neighbors and family members. The state was able to provide assistance, and Im asking the
federal government for additional resources as the recovery efforts continue.
Based on information provided by the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and
Homeland Security Division, state leaders requested a joint Preliminary Damage Assessment with
federal and local leaders to review and validate the most severely damaged homes, businesses, and
public facilities across Southeast Michigan.
The teams conducted their assessments from Aug. 26 to Sept. 9. State officials reviewed the results
and determined the extent of damage reached the level for applying for federal help.

Snyders request will be reviewed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which will advise
President Obama whether a disaster declaration should be granted. Ultimately, the president will
determine whether to provide federal assistance.
Snyder declared a state of disaster on Aug. 13 for Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. The
declaration makes available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery
efforts in the disaster area as outlined in the Michigan Emergency Management Plan.
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