Dear neighbor,

It’s been quite a year in the northern Lower Peninsula and the eastern Upper Peninsula. In some ways, our historic ice storm seems like a distant memory, but to those of us who are still trying to repair damage, clean up debris and pay for damages, we are reminded every day just how severe that storm really was.

I want to take a moment to discuss where we are in terms of funding relief at both the state and federal level. Keep in mind that the government is not designed to move quickly, and this type of disaster funding is no exception. But it’s more important to get things right than it is to get things done quickly. While I want residents’ expectations to be set, I do believe there will be financial support.

There are a lot of moving pieces, and I wanted to provide this update on what is happening.

Your entire state legislative team is working hard on this matter, as is our congressional delegation at the federal level. I hope we never face another storm like this in the future. But let’s not forget the great coming together we all experienced, and the lesson that by working together, we can accomplish great things.

Right now, we are still waiting for a final determination related to FEMA disaster relief. The state of Michigan has fulfilled all of the applications and other obligations needed to secure a presidential declaration of a major emergency. Now it is a matter of waiting for a decision at the federal level.

It is important to be careful how we handle state funding until after the presidential declaration is made. There is a chance that providing too much state funding before that federal decision could actually jeopardize our ability to get any federal help.

There is no time limit for when the president must make a determination.

There are certain federal resources that people and businesses can access now.

Small Business Administration Disaster Loans: On June 5, the Small Business Administration issued a disaster declaration for Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Otsego and Presque Isle counties. Small businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

Individuals may be eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind-rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for private nonprofits and 2.75% for homeowners and renters, with terms of up to 30 years. More information can be found here. You can also check online at SBA.gov/disaster for important information and deadlines because some of these must be completed this summer.

USDA Farm Service Agency: There are two programs that can help individuals and farmers that may help owners of nonindustrial forest land so they may restore their forest or farm.

   1. USDA Emergency Forest Restoration Program

   2. USDA Emergency Conservation Program

To learn more about how to apply for either of these programs, please contact your nearest USDA Farm Service Agency office.

We do need to be careful to ensure we get everything right in terms of state funding for disaster relief.

Moving too quickly could damage our ability to get federal funding, and we are absolutely going to need it. Even our electrical co-ops have reported damage totals of more than $250 million —that’s something the state cannot afford to cover on its own.

I like to break funding into several categories. My first priority is to help our residents directly.

Personal assistance: There is no question that it has been an expensive cleanup for all of us — and efforts will continue long into the future. There has been damage to homes and property, and taking care of broken and dying trees can be very expensive.

It is important to keep in mind that none of this moves fast, and none of it is guaranteed — especially in a divided government. I want everybody’s expectations to be on the right track — getting statewide support for this type of funding is tough, but we are working hard every day to get relief for our residents.

Overall state support: The state House of Representatives passed House Bill 4328, introduced by Rep. Parker Fairbairn. I plan to support this legislation when it comes before the full Senate. However, a few things need to be changed to ensure the money goes to the right places. If passed, it would provide $100 million in funding to local units of government, county emergency managers, police, fire, EMS and road commissions. The fund would be administered by the state police and provide much-needed help covering the enormous costs of the ice storm response.

Industry-specific assistance: Some of our industries were hit harder than others — especially the maple syrup industry and other tourism drivers like golf courses. I am also proposing specific funding, including a $10 million Maple Syrup Industry Fund, a $10 million Golf Course Industry Fund, and a $5 million fund to help clean up rivers and trails. These specific funds are the result of countless meetings throughout our district and trying to help our businesses get back on their feet. I’m also open to more suggestions moving forward.

Seeking help from Michigan’s logging industry: Depending on how much land you own, even just 10 acres or less, there may be an opportunity to get help from our incredible timber industries, which in certain cases may be willing to purchase your damaged trees.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has a Registered Forester Program and keeps a list of the registered foresters on its website. You can also check the list of Master Loggers maintained on the Michigan Master Logger Certification website.

Insurance problems: My staff and I have heard from a number of constituents who are having problems with insurance claims related to the ice storm.

The state Department of Insurance and Financial Services takes these issues very seriously. If you are having trouble with your insurance provider, call the department’s consumer hotline at 877-999-6442. DIFS officials can help answer questions regarding what an insurer must do and help explain policy language.

Consumers having issues with their insurer or the claims process may also file a complaint with DIFS at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints.

Michigan’s 37th Senate District includes Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Leelanau counties and portions of Mackinac and Chippewa counties.