NORTHERN MICHIGAN — The Trump administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency have denied 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, according to a Michigan State Police (MSP) statement.
FEMA denied assistance for:
- IA, which helps individual residents with housing and disaster-related losses.
- PA Category F, which would fund permanent repairs to damaged utilities.
- HMGP, which funds long-term projects to reduce future risks.
The state filed the appeal of those denials on Aug. 25.
On July 22, President Trump approved a preliminary federal disaster declaration authorizing FEMA Public Assistance funding for emergency work and certain permanent repairs across 13 counties and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.
“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.
“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 reaffirmed the denial of Public Assistance Category F funding, which would have supported permanent repairs to damaged utilities, and Individual Assistance, which helps residents with housing and disaster-related losses. The agency said the appeal for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which funds long-term projects to reduce future risks, remains under review.
Between March 28 and 30, a severe winter storm paralyzed northern Michigan with extreme ice accumulation, causing prolonged outages, hazardous conditions and record levels of infrastructure damage. Rural electric cooperatives were among the hardest hit, suffering significant economic losses.
For updates on the recovery process, visit www.michigan.gov/icestorm.
