AP File photo Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gives a policy speech at an event, April 9, 2025, in Washington.

LANSING – On Monday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer appealed multiple federal disaster aid denials after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) failed to approve key portions of Michigan’s request for critical assistance in the wake of the historic March ice storm that devastated much of northern Michigan. While local municipalities have been approved for and received federal funding, individual families, businesses, and utilities have been denied.

“Many Northern Michiganders are still reeling from the impacts of the ice storm that devastated communities earlier this year,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michigan families and businesses deserve the support they need to recover from these storms. That’s why I’m appealing FEMA’s disaster aid denials. I’ll keep fighting like hell to deliver relief for our residents, local governments and utility providers.”

“We’re working hard to provide relief to individuals, families, and small businesses in Northern Michigan following this year’s devastating ice storms,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Unfortunately, residents, business owners, and utilities aren’t getting what they need. We are appealing FEMA’s decision not to approve key parts of our request, and we’ll continue Standing Tall to help northern Michigan recover.”

“Northern Michigan was devastated by the ice storms earlier this year, and families and businesses are still struggling to rebuild,” said U.S. Senator Gary Peters. “Recovery will continue to be out of reach without these critical resources from FEMA, which is why I support Governor Whitmer’s appeal. Michiganders deserve better.”

“Northern Michigan families and small businesses have shown resilience in the face of this once-in-a-generation ice storm, and now FEMA needs to step in to do their part,” said U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan). “That’s why I support Governor Whitmer’s appeal of FEMA’s denial. Michigan deserves these resources so we can rebuild and move forward.”

“Northern Michigan families and communities are still carrying the burden of the devastating ice storm, and they deserve the full support of FEMA to recover. I’m committed to fighting for the resources our region needs, which is why I strongly support Governor Whitmer’s appeal to FEMA’s denial,” said Congressman Jack Bergman (R- Watersmeet). This is about standing up for Northern Michiganders and ensuring we are not left behind.”

Between March 28 and 30, a severe ice storm paralyzed northern Michigan with extreme ice accumulation, causing prolonged and widespread power outages, hazardous conditions, and record levels of infrastructure damage. On July 22, 2025, President Donald J. Trump approved a federal disaster declaration authorizing FEMA Public Assistance (PA) funding for emergency work and certain permanent repairs across 13 counties and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.

However, FEMA denied assistance for:

• PA Category F, which would fund permanent repairs to damaged utilities.

• Individual Assistance (IA), which helps residents with housing and disaster-related losses.

• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), which funds long-term projects to reduce future risks.

“We are working directly with our partners at FEMA to ensure the full impact of this storm is understood,” said Colonel James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police (MSP). “The MSP Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division has been engaged in this disaster response since day one and will continue to support our local communities through all aspects of recovery.”

The denial of PA Category F funding has significant implications for smaller electricity companies, or rural electric cooperatives, which were among the hardest hit.

The State of Michigan has 30 days to submit a formal appeal, providing FEMA with updated data and compelling justification for why these programs are essential to support long-term recovery.