LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer met Tuesday with President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss disaster recovery funding, invasive species prevention, and major infrastructure priorities affecting the state.
According to a statement from the governor’s office, Whitmer updated the president on the deadly tornadoes that struck southwest Michigan on Friday and requested an update on the state’s appeal for federal disaster funding tied to historic ice storms that hit northern Michigan last year.
Whitmer’s office said the president agreed to deliver additional federal funding to help residents, small businesses, and utilities recover from those storms.
“The governor gave an update on the deadly tornadoes that hit southwest Michigan on Friday,” said Stacey LaRouche, press secretary for Whitmer. “She also asked the president for an update on the state’s appeal for FEMA funding to help northern Michigan residents, small businesses, and utilities recover from the historic ice storms last year.”
The two also discussed two major infrastructure priorities for Michigan: the future of Selfridge Air National Guard Baseand continued efforts to block invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes through the Brandon Road Interbasin Project.
Whitmer’s office said the state is working to secure new fighter jets for Selfridge, a move supporters say would strengthen national security and protect thousands of jobs in Macomb County.
The governor also reiterated Michigan’s support for the Brandon Road project, a multi-state effort led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers aimed at preventing invasive carp from reaching the Great Lakes and harming the region’s ecosystem and economy.
“Governor Whitmer is always going to show up and make the case for Michigan and our economy,” LaRouche said. “We appreciate the president’s time.”
In a separate statement, Trump said he is working with Whitmer and other Great Lakes state leaders to address the invasive carp threat.
“I’m working with Governor Gretchen Whitmer on trying to save the Great Lakes from the rather violent and destructive Asian Carp,” Trump said, adding he plans to ask governors from several states to join the effort to protect Lake Michigan and the surrounding waters.
The meeting comes as Michigan officials continue seeking federal support for disaster recovery and large-scale infrastructure projects affecting the state’s economy and environmental resources.
