Michigan Ag Connection - Whitmer Seeks Disaster Declaration for Newaygo County

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Whitmer Seeks Disaster Declaration for Newaygo County
Michigan Ag Connection - 03/22/2019

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Thursday requested the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) conduct damage assessments for Newaygo County to pave the way for an administrative declaration of disaster. This would provide additional financial assistance to Michiganders recovering from recent flooding.

If approved, the SBA disaster assistance program would make low-interest loans available to eligible residents and businesses affected by heavy rainfall and snowmelt on March 14 that resulted in widespread flooding.

"The loss or damage of personal property can have a devastating financial impact on our residents and businesses," said Whitmer. "We are hopeful the Small Business Administration will grant our request and make low-interest loans available to Michiganders still recovering from the effects of this flood."

The SBA disaster assistance program provides low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, inventory, and business assets that were damaged or destroyed. The SBA tailors the repayment of each disaster loan to the borrower's financial capability.

If the declaration is approved, temporary Disaster Loan Outreach Centers may be established in the impacted areas for one-on-one assistance. Loan applications also will be made available online or by mail.

Based on information provided by the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD), state officials requested representatives of the SBA conduct a preliminary damage survey of the affected areas to document physical property damage to homes and businesses that sustained at least 40 percent uninsured losses.

Whitmer declared a state of emergency on March 19 for Newaygo County after heavy rainfall and snowmelt on March 14 resulted in widespread flooding damage. The declaration makes available state aid and financial assistance to communities in the affected area.

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