Portage submits data to bolster appeal for disaster declaration [Video]

The city’s hope is that the data will help to provide a more accurate assessment of the total cost of destruction from the tornado, proving the need for federal aid.

PORTAGE, Mich. — The City of Portage was struck by an EF-2 tornado on May 7, with a preliminary damage assessment survey showing there were nearly 600 structures damaged.

After the storm, Governor Gretchen Whitmer requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration to help provide federal assistance to southwest Michigan communities affected by the tornadoes.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) completed an assessment and denied Whitmer’s request.

FEMA said the initial damage assessment didn’t meet the threshold required for federal disaster assistance.

The denial granted Michigan 30 days to appeal the decision. Then, the deadline was extended to Sept. 21, 2024.

To support the appeal, the Michigan State Police and Michigan’s emergency management agency gathered additional data to show how much destruction the tornadoes left behind.

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