LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Wednesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has granted an administrative disaster declaration for Cheboygan County and the contiguous counties of Charlevoix, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Otsego, and Presque Isle. The declaration unlocks financial assistance to repair or replace property damaged by the historic ice storms.
“Northern Michigan was hit hard by this historic ice storm, but we are strong, and we will rebuild together,” said Governor Whitmer. “Every step of the way, we’re working side by side with local leaders and federal partners to deliver real relief, and this SBA declaration will help us get communities and small businesses back on their feet. We’ll keep doing the work, together, until the job is done.”
The SBA disaster assistance program makes low-interest loans available to residents, businesses, and non-profits affected by a historic ice storm that knocked out power and communications and left hundreds of miles of roads blocked by fallen trees and debris. This is the second use of an SBA rapid declaration in the state of Michigan in less than a year, highlighting Michigan as a leading state in the nation for recovery efforts.
“This spring’s devastating ice storm disrupted the lives and livelihoods of folks across Northern Michigan. That’s why I led a bipartisan letter to the Small Business Administration calling on them to deliver these much-needed resources to our communities,” said U.S. Senator Gary Peters. “Today, I’m thrilled that this SBA disaster declaration has been granted, which will help hardworking Michiganders get the support they need to recover from this unprecedented storm.”
“This is a meaningful step forward for Northern Michigan and the U.P. The SBA’s approval means families and small businesses can now access low-interest loans to help recover from the damage caused by this historic ice storm,” said U.S. Representative Jack Bergman. “But this is just one piece of the puzzle – there’s still more work ahead to fully rebuild and strengthen our communities. We’ll keep pushing to make sure no one is left behind in the recovery process.”
The SBA disaster assistance program provides low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, inventory, and business assets that were damaged or destroyed. The SBA tailors the repayment of each disaster loan to the borrower’s financial capability.
“This ice storm caused widespread damage across dozens of communities, and recovery doesn’t end when the power comes back on,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “The SBA disaster declaration is an important step forward in providing long-term support to the residents and business owners who were impacted. Our focus remains on helping communities recover safely, completely, and without delay.”
“We are so thankful to everyone throughout the state and across the country who stepped up to help Northern Michigan weather this ice storm,” said state Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs). “Restoration and relief efforts will be ongoing for a long time, and federal approval for this SBA loan program is an important first step towards funding assistance for the residents and businesses that lost so much.”
“This funding will be critical to help our communities continue to pick up the pieces after the historic ice storm,” said state Representative Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan). “Nobody alive has ever seen a storm of this magnitude. After blown transformers, fallen power lines, and weeks of power outages, I hope it’s something we never see again. I’m glad the federal government recognized our need and opened the door to additional resources.”
Types of Disaster Loans Available:
- Business Physical Disaster Loans- Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans- Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.
- Home Disaster Loans- Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
On May 16, Gov. Whitmer requested that President Donald J. Trump declare a major disaster in to support recovery from the ice storm. The governor requested activation of all areas of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance program for the counties of Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle, as well as the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. She also requested activation of the Public Assistance program for the above counties and tribal nation, in addition to Kalkaska and Mackinac counties. This federal disaster request is still pending.
To learn more about being prepared before, during, and after an emergency or disaster, visit www.michigan.gov/miready.
