(LANSING) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied the State of Michigan's appeal for aid following the March 6 tornadoes.
The State says FEMA denied their appeal for the Individual Assistance Program in St. Joseph, Branch and Cass Counties, along with the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program statewide.
Captain Kevin Sweeney, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, says in the aftermath of these devastating tornadoes, their priority has remained supporting the communities and residents impacted by this disaster. He says they will continue working with their local partners to support recovery efforts and ensure survivors have access to available resources.
In a letter issued earlier this week, FEMA officials reaffirmed the denial of IA funding which would have provided financial support and direct services to eligible individuals and households who have sustained uninsured or underinsured losses from the tornadoes. They also reaffirmed the denial of the HMGP funding, which supports projects that help communities reduce future risks and strengthen long-term resilience.
On March 6, four tornadoes with intensities ranging from EF-0 to EF-3 impacted Southwest Michigan. The Edwardsburg area, along with Three Rivers and the north side of Union Lake in Union City were among the hardest hit.
A 12 year old child in Cass County and three adults in Union City lost their lives due to the tornadoes. Numerous homes and businesses were destroyed as well.