FEMA

The bipartisan bill was passed over half a year ago and aims to allow for reimbursements on things like tree-related property damage.

Although northern Michigan's ice storm initial appeal for individual relief and utilities has been denied by the Trump administration, utilities are still eligible for other types of relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The aid denial had been appealed by Governor Whitmer back in August.

The new $20 monthly charge is helping the Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op pay down $150 million in costs accumulated from the March ice storm.

U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) privately met with local officials in Alpena on Friday to discuss the impact of March’s historic ice storm. After the meeting, she spoke with WCMU about federal funding for ice storm recovery, the ongoing protest against the Line 5 pipeline tunnel project and the future of Gotion's EV battery plant in Big Rapids.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made some stops in Petoskey, Gaylord and Alpena Thursday to assess the damage from an ice storm that took out power to hundreds of thousands of people across the region last weekend.

"These holds on these grants have the potential to disrupt services and payroll for personnel if it continues,” said Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of emergency management for the Michigan State Police.

A comment by an Oscoda Township board member stating FEMA would use Oscoda-Wurtsmith airport as an emergency response hub sparked rumors online.

The City of Portage sent letters requesting detailed damage estimates for 800 properties hit by the May 7 storms.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be visiting Kalamazoo County to survey the damage from the May 7th tornado.