The state of Michigan has been awarded $51.7 million to deal with future natural disasters. The money is part of a Hazard Mitigation Grant that is designated for investment in infrastructure to withstand weather and climate events.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer commented on the grant saying, “This grant will make a difference in building infrastructure that is resilient against changing climate. We have already seen roads, bridges and communities deeply damaged by extreme weather conditions. This investment will allow Michigan to enhance mitigation efforts for our communities, create jobs, and put Michigan first.”
Michigan received a Presidential Disaster Declaration in July in response to flooding in Wayne and Washtenaw counties. Ten million dollars in emergency funding from the state’s general fund already went to mitigate damage from late June storms in southeast Michigan.
Also, the Michigan Department of Transportation is proposing a $50 million purchase of backup generators to keep pump stations going during power outages.
The federal grant is meant to save money in the long run by preparing ahead of the weather events.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
