Bay County Added to Federal Emergency Declaration for Michigan Snowstorms 

Release Date: February 7, 2001
Release Number: R5-01-02

Lansing, MI -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that Bay County has been added to the emergency declaration for snow removal made available to units of government and certain private non-profit organizations in Michigan. The original declaration, issued January 10, provided federal funds to supplement emergency response efforts as a result of last month's winter storms that produced record snowfalls.

FEMA authorized the assistance after an analysis of additional snowfall data provided by the Michigan State Police Emergency Management Division. The declaration covers jurisdictions that were blanketed with record and near-record snowfall over the period of December 10-31.

This brings the total to 39 counties that have been designated eligible for federal funding to pay part of the cost for emergency protective measures undertaken as a result of the storms. This includes local units of government and state agency operations needed to protect public health and safety and to prevent damage to public or private property.

Under the emergency declaration, FEMA will provide reimbursement to local units of government, certain private non-profit organizations, and state agencies for 75 percent of the total eligible costs of equipment, contracts, and personnel overtime related to emergency services in dealing with the snow for a 48-hour period. These are the crucial hours when work crews clear snow from emergency routes and roads to critical facilities to permit the passage of emergency vehicles. Related emergency protective measures such as sanding and salting, search and rescue, shelter operations, and police and fire department response will also be eligible for reimbursement.

The initial counties designated included Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Cass, Clare, Clinton, Eaton, Genesse, Gratiot, Isabella, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Midland, Montcalm, Muskegon, Oakland, Ottawa, Saginaw, St. Calir, St. Joesph, Tuscola, Van Buren, and Washtemaw. Twelve more were added on February 2, including Berrien, Branch, Gladwin, Hillsdale, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Mecosta, Osceola, Sanilac and Shiawassee Counties.

Last Modified: Thursday, 09-Oct-2003 15:48:59