Lansing, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer on July 27th, approved more than $500,000 in state funding for Otsego County and surrounding communities that were devastated by the severe thunderstorm and tornado in May. The funds were made available through the Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund, which is used when communities demonstrate an exhaustion of local resources during a disaster or emergency. The approval comes after the Federal Emergency Management Agency denied the governor’s request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration. 

“May’s devastating thunderstorms and tornado strained local resources in Otsego County, and this $500,000 in assistance will help cover some local response and recovery costs,” said Governor Whitmer. “The Gaylord community has made great progress in the months since the tornado, but we know there is more work to be done. No matter what the federal government does or does not do, we will get the Gaylord community what they need to recover and rebuild. Michiganders are tough and we look out for one another. We will be there every step of the way.” 

“I am grateful for this assistance from the State,” said State Senator Jim Stamas (R-Midland). “This funding will allow the continued recovery and rebuilding that the Gaylord area has started. Our community is strong and it is evident in the support and assistance from neighbors and citizens alike.” 

“After the tornado hit our community, the people of Gaylord have grown closer together, and our work to rebuild damaged homes and local businesses — and help people get back on their feet — continues,” said State Representative Ken Borton (R-Gaylord). “In the Legislature, I’ve supported investments into our Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund to help communities across Michigan recover from catastrophes and crises. Now, these critical resources will aid Otsego County in our hour of need.” 

The governor has approved these awards for the City of Gaylord, Hayes Township, Livingston Township, Bagley Township, and Otsego County. 

Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund awards can be applied toward the immediate prevention, response and recovery of a disaster or emergency, as well as cover overtime for public employees, contracts used during the response, shelter supplies, gasoline used during the response, and repair of public buildings and infrastructure.  

Homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations in need of assistance repairing or rebuilding after the storm can still apply for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. You can learn more about the loans and the application process at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s. 

About the Disaster  On May 20, an EF-3 tornado touched down in Otsego County, impacting infrastructure, and damaging businesses and private property. That same day, Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Otsego County. By declaring a state of emergency, Governor Whitmer made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the designated area. On June 8, Governor Whitmer sent a letter a letter to the federal government requesting a Major Disaster Declaration for Otsego County. On July 2, FEMA denied that request. On July 13, the governor announced the U.S. Small Business Administration granted an administrative declaration for Otsego County.