Deadline Approaching for Governments and Nonprofits to Apply for Federal Assistance

WARREN, Mich. – Local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties are eligible to apply for federal disaster funds due to the severe storms and flood damage that occurred from Aug. 11-13.

The major federal disaster declaration for severe flooding and storms requested by Gov. Rick Snyder and granted by President Obama on Sept. 25 makes public assistance available in the form of grants to those affected local governments and eligible nonprofit organizations.

Projects covered include debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent restoration of public facilities and infrastructure, such as schools and roads.

Those applicants that are eligible and want to apply for aid must complete and submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) form to the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) by Oct. 25.

After the MSP/EMHSD receives the RPA form, state and federal agencies will provide one-on-one assistance to discuss damages, assess needs and put a plan of action in place.

“We want to make sure all eligible local governments and nonprofit organizations have the opportunity to complete and submit this form,” said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, State Coordinating Officer and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “It only takes a few minutes to complete.”

Federal Emergency Management Agency Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph A. Diemont further emphasized, “The application is a necessary first step in receiving the dollars communities need to recover and rebuild.”

Last week, representatives from the MSP/EMHSD and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted applicant briefings with community officials throughout the affected disaster areas in southeast Michigan. These meetings addressed application procedures, administrative requirements, funding and program eligibility.

Public officials and other eligible applicants who want to file an RPA form on behalf of their community or private nonprofit organization should go to www.michigan.gov/miflood for more information.

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English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195