Michigan Counties Seek Access to Funds After Tornado Damage

ARMADA, Mich. (AP) — Two Michigan counties are asking the state to help make funds available for residents and businesses affected by recent tornados that damaged buildings, knocked down trees and caused power outages.

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel on Friday declared a state of emergency in response to damage last week in the Armada area, north of Detroit.

A state of emergency declaration is a step needed to seek cost reimbursement through the emergency management process.

Earlier, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter asked the state to support a request for a “state of disaster” declaration in White Lake Township.

About 116 structures in Armada Township, the Village of Armada and surrounding areas in Macomb were damaged and two were destroyed as storms swept through parts of southeastern Michigan Saturday evening, according to Hackel’s office.

“The tornado was severe and caused major damage in our communities,” Hackel said. “We are extremely thankful that no deaths or injuries occurred, but the ongoing recovery costs will be significant.”

Macomb County also wants Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to declare a state of emergency exists within those areas so that other funding can be made available.

About 425 homes in the White Lake Township area, northwest of Detroit, were affected by the storm, including 31 that suffered major damage, Coulter said.

That tornado’s path was nearly 2 miles long and 400 yards wide.

Coulter sent a letter Thursday to Whitmer that supports a request Sunday by White Lake Township officials for a disaster declaration.

“These natural disasters put tremendous strains, not only on families and businesses in communities, but also on local budgets,” Coulter said. “So, any assistance we can get from our partners in the state and federal government is especially helpful.”

An EF1 tornado also touched down in Genesee County’s Clayton Township, according to the National Weather Service.