Whitmer approves funding for Oakland and Macomb Counties to assist with storm recovery efforts

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday approved $1.2 million in assistance for communities in Oakland and Macomb counties following severe thunderstorms, high winds and tornadoes in July. The funds were made available through the Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund, which is used when communities demonstrate an exhaustion of local resources during a disaster or emergency.

“We are grateful to all first responders and local agencies throughout Oakland and Macomb counties who have worked tirelessly to keep people safe following multiple severe storms this summer,” said Governor Whitmer. “While these efforts have been successful, they have put a strain on local resources. That’s why I’ve approved additional money from this fund to help cover some of the costs related to response and recovery efforts, so that residents are not left on the hook for these unprecedented storm systems.”

The governor has approved these awards for White Lake Township, the Village of Armada, Armada Township, Farmington, Southfield, and Farmington Hills.

Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund awards can be applied toward the immediate prevention, response and recovery of a disaster or emergency, as well as cover overtime for public employees, contracts used during the response, shelter supplies, gasoline used during the response and repair of public buildings and infrastructure.

"Our communities were hard hit this summer with intense storms, punishing winds and repeated power outages, so we’re particularly grateful that the Governor was so diligent in getting the federal emergency funding needed to help out White Lake, Farmington and Farmington Hills and Southfield,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “The support will allow these communities and its residents to recover from the devastating impact of these storms without breaking their budgets.”

“The emergency resources coming in from our state and federal partners is a testament to the community response we saw in Armada,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “From first responders to neighbor champions, the community continues to showcase its resilient spirit.”

On July 7, an intense line of thunderstorms with high winds struck the southwest area of Oakland County and traveled through southern Macomb County, leading to flooding, power outages, blocked roads, and damage to public and private property and infrastructure. On July 24, a tornado touched down in Armada Township, impacting both the township and Armada Village. On July 25, a severe thunderstorm and tornado caused widespread damage in White Lake Township. Gov. Whitmer declared a state of emergency for the cities of Farmington, Farmington hills and Southfield on August 2, and for White Lake, Armada Township, and the Village of Armada on August 5.