Biden Approves Disaster Declaration For Parts Of Southeast MI

WAYNE COUNTY, MI — President Joe Biden on Thursday approved a disaster declaration for Wayne and Washtenaw counties following widespread flooding following significant rainfall on June 25-26.

By approving Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's June 26 request for a disaster declaration, Biden is making federal funding available to people affected by flooding in the counties of Washtenaw and Wayne.

Biden's announcement comes after Whitmer on Tuesday sent a letter to the president requesting he declare an emergency disaster.

“President Biden’s declaration opens up critical resources to help Michigan residents recover from this disaster,” Whitmer said in a statement. “The flooding on June 25-26 had devastating impacts on Wayne and Washtenaw County residents who suffered damage to their homes, loss of personal property, and faced unimaginable stress. With the resources we will receive thanks to President Biden’s leadership, we will put Michiganders first and help our communities recover and rebuild.”

See More: FEMA To Assess Wayne County Flood Damage Thursday

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster, the White House said in a news release.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a state of emergency for parts of Wayne County, where The National Weather Service said more than 6 inches of rain fell during the night of June 25 and the morning of June 26, according to The Associated Press. Grosse Pointe Park said it measured 8.1 inches over 24 hours, the AP reported.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide, officials said.

See More: Tornadoes. Flooding. Power Outages. MI Saw It All This Weekend.

Damage assessments are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed, the White House said.

People and business owners who sustained losses in Wayne and Washtenaw counties can apply for federal assistance by registering online or by calling 1-800-621-3362.