The destruction from last month’s tornado that ripped through Gaylord has prompted a request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration. The declaration would open up resources to get more help for those whose homes and businesses have been destroyed or damaged by the EF-3 tornado.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “We are doing everything in our power to secure all available assistance for the people of Gaylord as quickly as possible.”
The aid requested is individual assistance for eligible residents. The aid can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other recovery programs.
Several state and federal agencies have reviewed the damage from the tornado and have determined that is it sufficient for eligibility for federal disaster aid. The decision is up to President Biden.
State Representative Ken Borton of Gaylord said, “As the tornado broke down buildings in Otsego County, it uprooted families from their homes, disrupted livelihoods of workers at damaged businesses, and, saddest of all, took two lives.
Borton said, “A major disaster declaration from the federal government will help us rebuild Gaylord.”
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
