LANSING — The Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced more than $1 million in Community Development Block Grant funds to assist recovery efforts in northern Michigan after a severe ice storm caused widespread power outages, including loss of backup generators, loss of phone and cellular services, and impassable roads because of downed trees and other debris.
Working in partnership with the Michigan State Police, $792,000 in CDBG funding will support the purchase of 30 generators, along with related costs, to 11 counties, each of which will receive $72,000. Counties to receive support include Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinaw, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle.
Montmorency County will receive $72,000 in CDBG funding to support the purchase of 30 generators, along with related costs, and $200,000 for food assistance to communities impacted by the disaster.
Funding will be leveraged by each of the counties to identify approximately five communities that were the hardest hit and, within those communities, prioritize businesses that provide health and safety services to most residents.
“We all know relief efforts aren’t going to be easy, and they definitely won’t be cheap,” State Representative John Roth (R-Interlochen) said in a news release. “Our communities are working night and day to clean up from these storms. But hard work can only go so far when resources are stretched thin. I’m grateful to the MEDC and everyone downstate who recognized our need and have found a way to help.”