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FEMA Denies Snyder's Appeal For Assistance For UP Flooding

flood damage, Upper Peninsula, Houghton County
Nicole Walton
/
WNMU public media
Flood damage in Houghton County during June 2018.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied Gov. Rick Snyder's appeal to reconsider a decision denying individual assistance in three Upper Peninsula counties that sustained damage from flooding and heavy rainfall in June.

Snyder said Thursday FEMA determined the impact from the storms isn't beyond the combined capabilities of the state and local governments to handle.

Snyder declared a state of disaster for Houghton, Gogebic and Menominee counties due to the flooding. A presidential disaster declaration was also declared, providing the counties with recovery resources for public facilities and infrastructure.

But FEMA decided against giving individual assistance, which includes grants for temporary housing and uninsured home repairs, and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses.

A disappointed Snyder will next seek a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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