WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
St. Joseph County officials were notified last week that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has determined the damage caused by the May 7 tornadoes in a four-county region does not warrant supplemental federal assistance.
A request was made by Gov. Whitmer for a major-disaster declaration to secure aid for Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties. FEMA has reviewed paperwork and documents, and denied the request.
County officials said information on the potential for an appeal of the decision is pending. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management will continue to work with the state of Michigan and FEMA to explore all available options to assist in the recovery process.
Resources from the Small Business Administration disaster declaration are still available and include a variety of low-interest disaster loans. That declaration is specific to Kalamazoo County, with residents of St. Joseph County also eligible to apply. Applicants may call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email at: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
