STATE

LANSING, MICH. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has rejected the State of Michigan’s appeal for multiple federal disaster aid programs requested in response to the historic March 2025 ice storm that caused widespread damage across northern Michigan.

“While the denial of additional federal aid is disappointing, Michigan has a strong foundation for recovery,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD.) “Together with our local and state partners, we will continue to provide the support and coordination needed to help communities recover.”

In a letter earlier this week, FEMA officials reaffirmed the denial of Public Assistance (PA) Category F funding, which would have supported permanent repairs to damaged utilities, and Individual Assistance (IA), which helps residents with housing and disaster-related losses. According to FEMA, the appeal of denial for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), which funds long-term projects to reduce future risks, is still under review.

Between March 28 and 30, a severe winter storm paralyzed northern Michigan with extreme ice accumulation, causing prolonged and widespread power outages, hazardous conditions, and record levels of infrastructure damage. Rural electric cooperatives were among the hardest hit with economic damages.

On July 22, 2025, President Donald J. Trump approved a federal disaster declaration authorizing FEMA PA funding for emergency work and certain permanent repairs across 13 counties and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.

FEMA initially denied assistance for:

• PA Category F, which would fund permanent repairs to damaged utilities.
• IA, which helps residents with housing and disaster-related losses.
• HMGP, which funds long-term projects to reduce future risks.

The State of Michigan filed an appeal of those denials on Aug. 25.

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LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) received communication from the federal government’s Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) indicating that due to the ongoing federal government funding lapse, there may be limited availability of funds to pay full November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the nation. FNS has unfortunately directed MDHHS to hold November SNAP issuance and ongoing benefits until further notice. 

The federal government’s delay of SNAP benefits will place Michiganders at risk of food insecurity and poverty. SNAP, a critical program for families and individuals across Michigan to access food, is the nation’s largest food assistance program and one of the most effective tools to reduce food insecurity. Nearly 13% of Michigan households, approximately 1.4 million people, receive SNAP benefits. About 43% are families with children and 36% are families with members who are older adults or disabled.

“The impact of households losing SNAP benefits will be felt around the state,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “SNAP is more than a food assistance program; it’s a lifeline for many Michigan families. It helps families put nutritious food on the table, supports local farmers and grocers, and strengthens our communities and economy. We are strongly disappointed by the USDA’s decision to delay this assistance, and in Michigan we will do what we can to help blunt this impact.”

SNAP participants should reach out to their local MDHHS office with any questions regarding their SNAP benefits or check MI Bridges for updates.

To find additional resources:

• Dial 2-1-1 or visit Find Help - Michigan 2-1-1 for free, confidential assistance and referrals to local food programs and support services.
• Visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan to locate nearby food banks and learn about additional hunger relief efforts.  

How SNAP works 

FNS administers SNAP at the federal level with states operating the program at the local level, determining eligibility and issuing benefits to eligible households.  

SNAP benefits are provided on electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards that participants can use to purchase food at grocery and convenience stores, farmers markets and other retailers, circulating money directly into the food supply chain and other retail sectors. SNAP spending generates revenue for grocery stores, farmers and other businesses, which helps pay local wages, keeps shelves stocked and boosts the local economy.  

SNAP helps lift families out of poverty by allowing them to spend money that would otherwise have been used for food on other goods and services, including health-related activities. A 2021 study showed that infants and children in SNAP families are more likely to see a doctor for periodic check-ups. Additionally, older adults using SNAP are more likely to take the full dosage of prescription medications because they have enough income to afford food and medicine, compared to other older adults not participating in SNAP.  

According to new economic analysis from the National Grocers Association, SNAP funding supports approximately 388,000 jobs, more than $20 billion in direct wages, resulting in over $4.5 billion in state and federal tax revenue.  

SNAP in Michigan 

In FY 2024, the average SNAP household in Michigan received $335.03 in SNAP benefits per month, which is about $173 per person per month or $5.68 per person per day. Households with very low incomes receive more SNAP benefits than households closer to the poverty line because they need more help affording nutritious food.  

• 492,225 children benefit from SNAP.
• 38,513 veterans participating in SNAP. 
• 36% SNAP households have older adults. 
• 43% SNAP households have children. 
• 51% households have a person with a disability.  
• 78% of SNAP households include someone with earned income. 

In Michigan, more than 9,700 retailers accept SNAP. In 2023, retailers redeemed over $3.6 million in SNAP.  

To be eligible for SNAP in Michigan, applicants must be a U.S. citizen (or acceptable non-citizen status) and must live in Michigan. Eligibility is based on the financial situation of all members of a household. Everyone who lives together, purchases and prepares food together is considered a member of the same household group. In order to determine if a household is eligible for SNAP, MDHHS will review a household’s expenses, assets and income. Expenses include rent, mortgage, utility bills, child support and dependent care expenses. For individuals with a disability or who are at least 60 years old, medical care, medical supplies and health insurance premiums may be included as an expense. 

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LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced today 39 villages and cities across the state with populations less than 10,000 that will receive road funding grants awarded through the Community Service Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) Category B program. Established by the state Legislature in 2018 and administered by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the CSIF is a stop-gap program to help fund road projects in small communities. Successful projects were selected, in part, because they are paired with planned infrastructure work, coordinated with other road agencies, focused on extending the useful life of the road and have limited other funding sources.   

"I ran on fixing the damn roads, and I'm proud to keep my promise and get it done," said Gov. Whitmer. "This year's balanced, bipartisan budget makes a record nearly $2 billion annual investment to fix our state and local roads, which will make everyone's drive safer and faster. We're getting this done by ensuring every penny you pay at the pump goes toward our roads. I'm so grateful to legislators on both sides of the aisle for coming together to get this done so we can build reliable roads that last for decades while supporting tens of thousands of good-paying local jobs. We have a lot of work to do, so let's move some dirt and fix those damn roads!"  

Grant awards range from $50,000 to $250,000 for road resurfacing, culvert replacement, pavement crack sealing and other preservative measures.  

Antrim Village of Elk Rapids Various streets $235,935 

Arenac City of Au Gres Various streets $250,000 

Arenac City of Standish Airpark Drive  $250,000 

Barry Village of Nashville State Street and Queen Street $137,500 

Branch City of Bronson Compton Street $199,155 

Eaton Village of Mulliken Various streets $250,000 

Eaton Village of Dimondale Hamilton Street and Ash Street $75,809 

Eaton City of Eaton Rapids East Knight Street and South Center Street $250,000 

Emmet Village of Pellston Mill Street and Edgar Boulevard $145,325 

Genesee City of Flushing Bellewood Drive $189,300 

Ingham Village of Stockbridge Elizabeth Street and Center Street $103,650 

Ionia City of Portland Hill Road $250,000 

Ionia Village of Lake Odessa Various streets $250,000 

Ionia Village of Saranac Various streets $50,000 

Iron City of Iron River Various streets $250,000 

Jackson Village of Brooklyn  Monroe Street $250,000 

Kent City of Lowell Laurie Gail Drive and Brook Street $250,000 

Kent City of Rockford Glen Park Drive and Gibraltar Drive $51,882 

Keweenaw Village of Ahmeek Wright Street and Hubbell Street $101,956 

Leelanau Village of Northport Rose Street and Second Street $97,482 

Manistee Village of Copemish Cedar Street, 5th Street and 2nd Street $60,000 

Manistee Village of Eastlake End Street and Third Street $134,310 

Marquette City of Negaunee Hungerford Avenue, West Prince Street and Ann Street $250,000 

Montcalm City of Carson City Williams Street and Mercantile Street $242,800 

Montmorency Village of Hillman Various streets $210,000 

Muskegon City of North Muskegon Central Avenue and Lake Avenue $93,272 

Oakland City of the Village of Clarkston East Church Street $117,700 

Oakland Village of Lake Orion Various streets $250,000 

Oakland Village of Bingham Farms Coachlight Lane and Old Stage Lane $250,000 

Oceana Village of Shelby South Michigan Avenue, Bennett Street and Grant Street $246,500 

Sanilac City of Marlette Concord Street and Cranbrook Street $73,440 

Sanilac City of Sandusky Various streets $250,000 

St. Clair City of Marine City South Belle River $250,000 

Tuscola City of Caro East Sherman Street $250,000 

Tuscola Village of Mayville Orchard Street and Lincoln Street $185,000 

Tuscola Village of Fairgrove West Street and Slack Road Bridge $144,581 

Van Buren City of Paw Paw Various streets $250,000 

Washtenaw City of Chelsea Commerce Park Drive $250,000 

Wayne City of Ecorse 3rd Street, 4th Street and High Street $250,000 

-courtesy story