FEMA denies disaster relief for southwest Michigan after May 7 tornadoes

PORTAGE, MI – Federal authorities have rejected Michigan’s request for federal aid to help local communities recover from the destructive tornadoes and storms that swept through southwest Michigan on May 7.

In a July 23 letter, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) denied Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s request to declare a disaster for Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties, according to a copy of the letter provided to MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette by state Sen. Sean McCann’s office.

Whitmer sent a letter to President Joe Biden on June 6 calling for a disaster declaration and activation of federal individual assistance programs for the four southwest Michigan counties hit by severe storms and multiple tornadoes in May.

In her response to Whitmer, FEMA Director Deanne Criswell said the four affected counties would not meet the need for federal assistance.

“Based on our review of all available information, we have determined that the damages from this event were not of such severity and magnitude that they exceeded the capabilities of the state, affected local governments, and voluntary organizations,” Criswell wrote. “Therefore, we have determined that no additional federal assistance is required. Therefore, I must inform you that your request for a major disaster declaration is denied.”

Whitmer has 30 days to appeal FEMA’s denial, Criswell said.

McCann, a Democrat from Kalamazoo, said he was “dismayed” to learn that FEMA had denied the request for disaster assistance following the devastating tornado. He said he has asked the governor to appeal the decision.

“It is a disappointing decision that affects real people,” McCann said in a statement.

McCann said that even without FEMA support, government funds would be provided.

“I am proud to have helped secure more than $3 million in funding in the upcoming state budget to provide relief to the affected communities and people in my district,” he said. “The budget recently passed by the House will also add the maximum amount to the State Disaster Emergency Contingency Fund so that money is available for future disasters.”

RELATED: Will the Portage tornado be a “nationwide disaster”? Damage is not the only factor

Earlier this month, the U.S. Small Business Administration issued a rapid disaster declaration allowing businesses, renters and homeowners in Kalamazoo County to apply for low-interest loans to repair or replace real estate, personal property and business assets damaged or destroyed in the May 7 storms.

The declaration also included Allegan, Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties.

An EF2 tornado struck Kalamazoo County on May 7, damaging hundreds of buildings, many in the city of Portage.

The tornado was one of the strongest to hit the country in the last 40 years. With wind speeds of 135 mph (217 km/h), the May 7 tornado was only 5 mph faster than an F3 tornado in 1980 that reached wind speeds of 140 mph (225 km/h).

On May 7, three more tornadoes touched down: an EF2 tornado in St. Joseph and Branch counties, an EF1 tornado in Branch County, and an EF1 tornado in Cass County.

A week after the tornadoes, FEMA officials arrived in southwest Michigan to assess the damage. The assessment found that 60 structures had been destroyed, 129 structures had been severely damaged, and 159 had been slightly damaged in Kalamazoo County.

RELATED: Tornado assessment in Portage: 60 buildings destroyed, 129 severely damaged

FEMA assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property damage, and programs to help residents and businesses recover from the disaster.

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