LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has rejected the State of Michigan’s appeal for multiple federal disaster aid programs, which were requested in response to the historic March 2025 ice storm that caused widespread damage across northern Michigan.
“While the denial of additional federal aid is disappointing, Michigan has a strong foundation for recovery,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. “Together with our local and state partners, we will continue to provide the support and coordination needed to help communities recover.”
In a letter earlier this week, FEMA officials reaffirmed the denial of Public Assistance (PA) Category F funding, which would have supported permanent repairs to damaged utilities, and Individual Assistance (IA), which helps residents with housing and disaster-related losses. According to FEMA, the appeal of denial for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), which funds long-term projects to reduce future risks, is still under review.
Between March 28 and 30, a severe winter storm paralyzed northern Michigan with extreme ice accumulation, causing prolonged and widespread power outages, hazardous conditions, and record levels of infrastructure damage. Rural electric cooperatives were among the hardest hit with economic damages.
On July 22, 2025, President Donald Trump approved a federal disaster declaration authorizing FEMA PA funding for emergency work and certain permanent repairs across 13 counties and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.
FEMA initially denied assistance for:
·PA Category F, which would fund permanent repairs to damaged utilities.
·IA, which helps residents with housing and disaster-related losses.
·HMGP, which funds long-term projects to reduce future risks.
The State of Michigan filed an appeal of those denials on Aug. 25.
For updates on the recovery process, visit www.michigan.gov/icestorm.
