State emergency officials are offering new details about approved federal recovery aid for northern Michigan communities hit by March's historic ice storm.
President Donald Trump approved $50 million dollars in Federal Emergency Management Agency funding to help reimburse costs like debris removal and infrastructure work.
Local and county governments, as well as non-profits like energy co-ops, can now apply for aid.
13 counties and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians are covered by the federal disaster declaration.
Captain Kevin Sweeney is with the Michigan State Police's Emergency Division and Homeland Security. He says the $50 million figure is not a cap, and is dependent on what requests FEMA approves.
"The actual amount of federal support will depend upon how many eligible entities apply and the projects that FEMA ultimately approves," he said.
“There's no promise, maximum or minimum, with what we could potentially get from this. It will depend on the applicants and the projects that are approved," Sweeney said.
The state was not approved of funding for individuals, disaster mitigation or for permanent long-term infrastructure work for public utilities.
“The permanent work might come if they have to bury a cable or put in some supports on that pole, that permanent work would not qualify,” Sweeney said giving an example.
He said that emergency officials are working to appeal for those unapproved funds, the deadline to appeal is August 27th.
The MSP said they are working with applicants to submit requests.
