Disaster Declaration Issued for Michigan Spring Floods

President Barack Obama has issued a disaster declaration for Michigan to aid the recovery effort from severe spring flooding.

Tuesday’s declaration will allow federal funds to flow to 16 Michigan counties to aid with cleanup costs from the flooding that happened from April 16 to May 14.

U.S. Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan says the flooding “was historic and unlike anything seen in decades.”

He calls the announcement “very welcome” and says the assistance “should help ensure a faster recovery for those who were hard hit.”

In May, Gov. Rick Snyder declared a state of disaster in 19 counties and the cities of Grand Rapids and Ionia. He also asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assess the damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure.