Genoa Township is working to extend water and sewer services to keep up with development demand.
The board met recently and was briefed on different funding options to extend services to properties on Latson Road, south of I-96. Development of the area is said to be âinherently contingentâ on municipal services. Staff will be proceeding with zoning text amendments and ordinance changes to plan for the area, which are said to be predicated on how thing go forward with the extension of utilities. A developer approached the township about extending water and sewer services to his property and staff investigated numerous options to accomplish that but also protect the township from any large risk or liability. The extension of water and sewer service was only up for discussion at the meeting and said to still be in the preliminary phase, with staff being commended for all of the time and effort spent so far.
Utilities Director Greg Tatara tells WHMI currently, there are no water or sewer utilities in that area along Latson Road, south of I-96. He says they are currently in the design phase, with funds provided up front from the interested property owner to pay for the design. He says theyâll be having progress meetings but estimates probably another six months of design time before they can look at bids and finalizing costs. Estimates were said to be on the very conservative side and the township has only had serious negotiations with just the one property owner. Only the single property owner would be assessed, who was disclosed at the meeting as Todd Wyett with Verse Real Estate LLC.
Tatara says they want to be careful so that in case the economy goes bad, the township isnât left holding the bag on the cost of building the water and sewer infrastructure. He says theyâre asking the property owner in that area to share half the cost upfront, and then the township would essentially special assess against the properties for the other half to be paid over 20 years, which would allow the project to move forward.
The developer would front 50% cash for the water and sewer project and a special assessment district is being proposed for the remainder of the cost to minimize risk and avoid exposing the township to liability. The owner would pay additional costs as the property is developed, including REU fees.
Meanwhile, the Genoa-Oceola Wastewater Treatment Plant will be undergoing a one year expansion to accommodate existing demands and future needs. The plant is basically at capacity and officials said the plant needed to be expanded regardless of the future potential development. Construction is expected to get underway this June, with completion slated for October 2019. (JM)
Genoa Township Looks To Extend Water & Sewer ServicesGenoa Township Looks To Extend Water & Sewer Services
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Family Of Seven Displaced After House FireFamily Of Seven Displaced After House Fire
A home is a complete loss following an afternoon fire in Cohoctah Township.
The Howell Area Fire Department was dispatched around noon to the fire at a home on Byron Road, south of Cohoctah Road. Fire Chief Andy Pless says when crews arrived on scene, fire was already coming through the roof of the approximately 1,500-square-foot log cabin style ranch. Pless told WHMI the floor is completely gone, so they had to work around the outside edges of the home. The home is situated about one mile off the road. A neighbor noticed the fire and called 911 but by the time crews arrived, fire was already through the roof. It was brought under control in about 20 minutes but crews remained on scene for a couple of hours doing overhaul.
The family of seven, two adults and five children, is displaced and was being assisted by the American Red Cross. At least one dog perished in the fire but there were no other injuries reported. The cause is under investigation. (JM)
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Road Millage Renewal To Come Before Howell Twp. VotersRoad Millage Renewal To Come Before Howell Twp. Voters
Voters in Howell Township will be asked to renew a road millage rate in August.
The township was previously authorized to increase the 15-mill tax limitation imposed on ad valorem taxes by 1.0 mill. The increase was intended to provide funds for road maintenance and improvement, however the millage is set to expire this December.
The townshipâs Board of Trustees discussed at their meeting Monday a proposal requesting the renewal of the .9345 mill millage rate, which would expire in 2022. The Board unanimously voted to approve the Road Millage Renewal Resolution, which states ââ¦the Township has determined that the requested millage for the road maintenance and improvement is in the best interests of the public health, safety and welfareâ of the municipalityâs residents.
The resolution and ballot language will next be submitted to the County Clerk so the millage proposition may be included on the August 7th election ballot. (DK)
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20th Annual "Got Art" Exhibit Underway At Howell Opera House20th Annual "Got Art" Exhibit Underway At Howell Opera House
Today marks the start of a popular student art exhibit in Howell.
The 20th annual Got Art student art exhibit kicks off today at the Howell Opera House. It started out as a way to display Howell student art in the community but has since grown to include all students from grades K â 12 in Livingston Countyâs public schools. Art instructors for the different schools promote learning in a variety of mediums to enhance the artistic talents of area young people. Organizers say Got Art is their way to promote the talents of art students throughout Livingston County and show appreciation for arts programs in local schools.
The art show is free and open to the public. The secondary show that featuring middle and high school art opens today and runs through Saturday. The elementary show opens on March 20th and runs through March 24th. The shows run from 4 to 8pmTuesday through Friday and from noon until 5pm on Saturday. (JM)
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Special Use Permit Granted For Addition To The WillowsSpecial Use Permit Granted For Addition To The Willows
Plans are moving forward for an addition to an assisted living facility in Howell Township.
Preliminary site plan approval was recently given for a 35-bed memory care facility that would be added to The Willows, located at the corner of M-59 and Byron Road. Trilogy Health Services plans to construct the facility in the northwest corner of the parcel, which would face Byron Road. However the project requires a Special Use Permit because the property is zoned Multi-Family Residential.
Trilogyâs permit request was reviewed by Howell Townshipâs Board of Trustees Monday. Trustee Dar Howard raised concerns with a Trilogy representative about the corner becoming over-crowded, saying that it ââ¦looks like theyâre jamming a lot of stuff into a small area.â Howard says The Willows was approved initially because itâs a nice-looking facility with a pleasant curb appeal, but wondered if further development would be too much.
Howard also inquired about potential development of the parcelâs southwest corner, where the two roads meet. Trilogyâs representative said itâs a small area to develop and that there arenât any plans to do so currently in place, but couldnât make any guarantees on future plans.
The Board ultimately approved Trilogyâs request for a Special Use Permit, with Howard as the only oppositional vote. Site plans for the facility must next receive final township approval to move the project toward construction. (DK)
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Howell Superintendent Seeks Clearer Policy Against VapingHowell Superintendent Seeks Clearer Policy Against Vaping
A discussion took place during Howell Public Schoolâs Board of Education Meeting regarding a revised policy concerning the use of tobacco by students.
Superintendent Erin MacGregor addressed the board Monday night voicing his concern over a noticeable rise in the use of vaping and electric cigarettes among students. Vaping has become a popular activity in which vapor is smoked through the use of electronic cigarettes; better known as e-cigarettes, or other devices. MacGregor stated the rise in popularity is not just a Howell concern, but a concern that has been noticed throughout the entire state. MacGregor brought up for discussion the possibility of creating a clearer policy written as it relates to students using any form of tobacco. While the use of e-cigarettes and vaping is prohibited from all school premises, the board agreed the policy should state it in a more clarifying way. MacGregor stated he wants an unambiguous policy because vaping has become too casual of an activity and he fears students are unaware of all the health risks that come with it. Many e-cigarettes contain nicotine, metals, and other potentially harmful chemicals.
Moving forward, the next steps involve a policy committee implementing a few ideas that were discussed during Mondayâs meeting to clean up the current tobacco policy. The Board of Education will resume the discussion at their next meeting scheduled for April 9th. (DF/JK)
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Emergency Response Training Offered This Weekend In HowellEmergency Response Training Offered This Weekend In Howell
A local program will offer training this weekend to community members interested in becoming better prepared and response-ready in the event of disaster and emergency situations.
Livingston Countyâs Community Emergency Response Team program, or CERT, will be teaming up with several other organizations for the intense full-weekend course held at the Howell Emergency Management Department on Tooley Road. The free course is open to the public and will educate and train participants about the steps to take in disaster situations and everyday emergencies. The course begins Friday at 6pm and runs until 9:30pm and then resumes for full-day courses Saturday and Sunday. Attendance and participation all three days is required to receive the certificate of completion.
Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. They are also encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in the community.
CERT members also assist with non-emergency projects, such as distribution of disaster education materials, and may provide services at special events, including parades, sporting events and concerts. Anyone with an interest in the class will find registration details through the link below. (JK)
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Brighton OKs Unlimited Schools of Choice ProgramBrighton OKs Unlimited Schools of Choice Program
The Brighton Board of Education approved an unlimited Schools of Choice program for this fall at its meeting Monday night.
That means all Brighton schools will be open to students from other area school districts. And Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI that students at all grade levels will be accepted - from junior kindergarten through the 12th grade.
In Brighton, 15% of all students enrolled are Schools of Choice students â way above the state average â which Gray says is a testament to Brightonâs desirability and academic reputation. Gray says that the Schools of Choice program has made a big difference in helping Brighton get out of being a deficit district. Thatâs because the district gets the full amount of per-pupil state aid when a student opts to choose Brighton over his or her home school district. That amounts to about $7,600 per student in the Brighton Area Schools.
The Schools of Choice program was established by the state in the mid 1990âs to give students more choices in the public school they want to attend. The caveat is that the school they want to transfer to must be in the same intermediate school district as the one in which they are currently enrolled. For Brighton, that means the school district the student leaves would have to be in Livingston County, where the intermediate district is the Livingston Educational Service Agency.
Schools of Choice programs can be unlimited in the number of students they accept â such as in Brighton for the coming fall term - or a district may only have a small amount of openings, called a limited Schools of Choice program. Gray says the district will start accepting applications for the program the latter part of this month.(TT)
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Tractor Trailer Cited For US-23 Chain Reaction CrashTractor Trailer Cited For US-23 Chain Reaction Crash
A multi-vehicle crash Monday in Brighton Township resulted in a citation for the driver of a tractor trailer.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office says deputies were called out at around 1:15 Monday afternoon to southbound US-23 north of Spencer Road for a four vehicle accident. The preliminary investigation has revealed that traffic was stopped on US-23 due to a prior crash further to the south. A 2016 tractor trailer driven by a 62 year old Harrison resident failed to stop, rear-ending a 2011 Chevrolet Impala driven by a 34 year old Charlevoix resident. The truck then struck a 2003 Ford Taurus operated by an 18 year old Petoskey resident which was pushed into a 2017 Ford Escape operated by a 72 year old Greenbush resident.
Lanes were closed for about an hour while tow trucks removed the vehicles from the roadway. Authorities say alcohol and drugs do not appear to be factors in the crash and everyone was wearing seatbelts. The driver of the tractor trailer was issued a citation for failure to stop within an assured clear distance while there were no major injuries reported. Deputies were assisted at the scene by personnel from Livingston County Ambulance, Brighton Area Fire Department and Hartland Area Fire Department. (JK)
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Two Sentenced In Local Restaurant Break-InsTwo Sentenced In Local Restaurant Break-Ins
Sentencing has been handed down to two individuals involved in break-ins at Genoa Township restaurants.
21-year-old Taylor Schulte of Howell Township and 20-year-old Michael Tournier of Marion Township were both recently sentenced in Livingston County Circuit Court on charges connected to the November 27th incident involving themselves and 22-year-old Wyatt Marshall of Marion Township.
Both were sentenced to two years of probation, while Tournier was also given 150 days in jail with a credit of 85 days served. Marshall was sentenced last month to a minimum of one year to a maximum of ten years in the Michigan Department of Corrections. All three previously pleaded guilty as charged to breaking and entering a building with intent, possession of burglarâs tools and 3rd degree retail fraud.
Three Genoa Township businesses were targeted by the trio, who is said to have robbed Pizzaâs Champ before stealing a crowbar from Walmart, which was then used to break into Arbyâs. Tournier is a former Pizza's Champ employee, while Marshall used to work at Arby's. Schulte is said to have driven the getaway car.
In addition to their respective sentences, they are required to make restitution in the amount of $4,662.34. Schulte and Tournier, however, were sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which means their records will be expunged if they successfully complete probation. (DK)
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Missing Runaway Teen Located By AuthoritiesMissing Runaway Teen Located By Authorities
A Fowlerville teen reported as a runaway has been located by authorities.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office says 14-year-old Kailyn Perry-Hertzler has been located and is safe. She was reported missing from her home on November 29th. The Office says detectives were able locate the teen in Berrien County based on information obtained through social media. Missing person flyers were also distributed throughout the community. Detectives from the Berrien County Sheriffâs Office located the juvenile and she is to be returned to Livingston County. She was said to have a history of running away and family members previously told WHMI that Hertzler is adopted.
The case remains under investigation by the Livingston County Sheriff Office. (JM)
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Aldi To Expand Genoa Township StoreAldi To Expand Genoa Township Store
Plans are moving forward for an expansion of the Aldi Food Market in Genoa Township.
Company representatives were before the Planning Commission Monday night for review of final site plans and an environmental impact assessment. Approval was unanimously recommended to the township board. The interior of the store will be completely remodeled and a 2,254-square-foot addition will be constructed. The exterior will match the existing brick and the entrance will be in the same general location. Township consultants offered compliments on the clean submittal and noted everything previously discussed was incorporated and complied with ordinance.
Planning Commission chairman Doug Brown told WHMI itâs a good project and everything fit in nicely on the property, which is less than three acres. Once the expansion is complete, he says people wonât even notice the store was smaller at one time. Brown said Aldi has been a great company to work with, noting theyâve had everything together since day one. He commented the representatives were very effective and efficient with their presentation and got right to the point â adding a visit to the actual store demonstrates how efficient they are, although they might not look as glamorous as some others.
Other aspects of the project include adding a second shopping cart enclosure and the parking lot will be completely resurfaced and re-striped. Some landscaping will be added or improved in areas, while lighting fixtures on site will be upgraded to LEDâs for energy efficiency and to help better illuminate the sidewalk. The store currently has 71 designated parking spaces but typically would require 95. The proposed plans call for adding 24 spaces to reach that corporate standard, and commissioners were okay with granting a waiver for six spaces and some setback requirements. It was noted the stores in general have become very popular over the last few years and thereâs been a significant increase in customers since 2008, when the local store was first constructed. Aldi representatives declined to comment after the meeting. They did not indicate any time frame as to when construction would start, but likely soon. Representatives did state work would take around 15 weeks, and the store would be closed for approximately five weeks. (JM)
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Howell Twp. Revising Sign/Billboard OrdinanceHowell Twp. Revising Sign/Billboard Ordinance
Howell Township has enacted a moratorium temporarily halting installation or construction of signs and billboards, until new standards can be developed for its sign ordinance. At a Board of Trustees meeting Monday, Township Supervisor Mike Coddington stated the townshipâs original sign ordinance is old, vague and no longer covers everything it needs to.
The board unanimously voted to adopt a moratorium for 120 days on the approval of any new signs and billboards, giving them time to review the municipalityâs existing regulations and to adopt an ordinance that better reflects recent legal developments that have clarified the permissible scope of sign regulations. A draft of the moratorium states the township is legitimately concerned that uses may be established in inappropriate or inadvisable locations before the ordinance can be revised, prompting the suspension of any activity in the sign or billboard approval process.
The township currently has two applications from businesses or organizations looking to erect an LED or billboard-style sign.
Coddington told the Board of Trustees an issue with the current ordinance is it does not limit the amount of signage an establishment can have. Clarity is also needed to address proper design, size, location and land use for signs within the township, as advancements have been made in sign technology, display methods and the legal landscape.
Once drafted, the new ordinance will require Planning Commission approval before it can come before the Board of Trustees for final review and adoption. (DK)
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#WhyYouMatter Campaign Comes to Howell High School#WhyYouMatter Campaign Comes to Howell High School
A gala is planned this week as part of a campaign that seeks to remind Howell High School students of their importance and uniqueness.
The local efforts are part of a national campaign that seeks to showcase each student in the school. The #WhyYouMatter campaign began at Chelsea High School and has since spread across the country. Students and staff launched the campaign after the passing of three students, two to suicide, in a short time frame. Their goal was to create a proactive, meaningful campaign to help build positive self-images within the student body.
For several months, students in Howell High Schoolâs leadership classes have been working behind the scenes photographing every student and staff member holding a sign that states what makes that person special and planning an opening gala for the campaign. The Howell High School #WhyYouMatter gala will be held this Thursday from 6 to 8pm at the school. Students, parents and community members are invited to view all of the photographs, enjoy appetizers and hear performances by the schoolâs band and choir.
Howell High School leadership teacher Gabby DiNatale-Park says students have worked very hard planning every aspect of the campaign. She says theyâve checked and double checked to ensure as many students and staff members have been photographed as possible, putting each photo into the #WhyYouMatter format and printing all 2,500 photos. Thursdayâs gala will be the first time all of the photos will be hung in the school for everyone to view, which DiNatale-Park says will be a very powerful experience they hope will help remind students that they are important.
To celebrate completion of the project, Howell High School is hosting a special spirit week, with themes that relate to the campaign. Additionally, following the gala on Thursday, students will send off Chinese Lanterns to honor lost loved ones and classmates. (JM)
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MADD Contest Promotes Awareness For Crime Victims And Their RightsMADD Contest Promotes Awareness For Crime Victims And Their Rights
A contest to help to bring attention to the rights of crime victims in the area is coming down to the final days.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving Michigan, along with Angel House, Equality Michigan, the Livonia Save our Youth Coalition, and Unite to Face Addiction Michigan are holding their first T-Shirt Design Contest in support of National Crime Victimsâ Rights Week. National Crime Victimâs Rights Week is from April 8th through the 14th. Angel Harris, manager of Victimâs Services for MADD, said they are looking for designs that incorporate this yearâs theme which is âExpand the Circle, Reach All Victims.â She said they want victims to be aware of the rights they have, to be advocated for, and supported. She thinks this is a great opportunity to reach out, suggesting that people who have been through the trials of being a victim could use this as a chance to help others work through their pain.
The winner of the contest will have their design printed on 300 t-shirts to be distributed during MADDâs Awareness Event in Lansing on April 12th along with a Visa gift card for $100. All finalists will receive a certificate of recognition. MADD will announce the winner during their event in Lansing on Thursday, April 12th. This contest is open to all, but designs must be submitted by this Monday, March 19th. Submissions can be made through email, sending the design to ncrvw2018design@gmail.com. Photo - Facebook (MK)
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14th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade Set For Saturday14th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade Set For Saturday
A parade and traditional Irish festivities will take over downtown Pinckney this weekend.
The 14th Annual St. Patrickâs Day Parade steps off at noon Saturday from the Pinckney Historical cemetery and travels east down Main Street to the Township Square this Saturday. Leading off the parade this year will be the American Legion Post 419 Color Guard followed by Rolling Thunder, Chapter 5. The 2018 Parade Grand Marshal is Pinckney Police Chief Jeff Newton.
Other events leading up to the parade include the Run for the Gold 5K, a cutest leprechaun contest, Irish dancers on Main Street and the 10th annual paddy wagon bed race. New this year is the Quad County Roller Derby from Wixom. There will be floats and walkers, Heavenly Horses from Hell and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Sarah Regan Division. A schedule is posted below. (JK)
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Tree Trimming Planned Throughout Genoa TownshipTree Trimming Planned Throughout Genoa Township
DTE Energy will have tree trimming crews out around Genoa Township as part of regular maintenance to maintain healthy trees but also ensure safe, reliable power.
DTE Energy says two-thirds of the time customers spend without power is due to trees, thus tree trimming is a common sense solution to prevent outages from happening in the first place. Crews will be in various areas throughout Genoa Township tree trimming and, if necessary, removing trees that are growing too close to power lines. If a tree poses a serious hazard to power lines or if trimming will put the tree's health at risk, DTE may need to remove it but says crews will make every effort to work with property owners before removing any trees.
Genoa Township Supervisor Bill Rogers tells WHMI the trimming is a practical, prudent process to protect everybody. He says it can sometimes be a sensitive subject because not everyone wants things trimmed or taken down but the reality is that itâs a major safety issue â not only for trees that end up in the road but knocking out power on a regular basis.
DTE advises that if tree work is needed on someoneâs property, a representative will knock on the door. If no one is home, theyâll leave a âtree work scheduledâ door card. More information on the tree trimming program as well as a map showing the areas in Genoa Township where DTE will be trimming trees is available through the link and attachment. Facebook photo. (JM)
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Livingston County Students Join In National WalkoutLivingston County Students Join In National Walkout
As students across the nation walked out of their classes today to protest inaction on gun control and school violence, so too did students across Livingston County.
In Pinckney, approximately 200 students gathered on the high school football field (bottom pic), where according to Superintendent Rick Todd, their conduct was, "exemplary as they were respectful, attentive and showed an understanding and appreciation for what the message they are trying to convey. To be honest, their conduct and behavior today can be used as an example for many adults in this country who struggle to conduct themselves in this type of manner." He says another 250-300 at the middle school also took part.
Approximately 200 students took part in the walkout at Howell High School, gathering in front of the school and alternately chanting slogans and standing in silence. District spokesperson Tom Gould said the district did not support or oppose the walk out, but did have plans in place to ensure participating students would remain safe at all times. He also said that students were not sanctioned for taking part.
Brighton Area Schools Superintendent Greg Gray said they designated gymnasiums at each building as a safe and secure place for students to gather, adding that they also had a safety plan with supervision and emotional support for those who made the choice to participate.
Also in Brighton, more than 70 students and parents from the Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy walked into the schoolâs parking lot precisely at 10am, gathered into a circle and then read aloud the names of the 17 people murdered a month ago today at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. They then stood in icy silence for 17 minutes in their memory. That was followed by an open floor for anyone to say what they thought. Dana Gray was one of the students who organized the CSPA walkout and was passionate as she addressed the group. "Enough is enough! If you are fed up by the lack of action by our legislators, like we and countless high schools and students around the country are, write your congresspeople, go to marches, make your voices heard. You may not be able to vote yet but that doesn't mean you have to dampen your voice."
Standing beside Gray was her mother Tanya, who beforehand told WHMI she was proud to see her daughter and students like her across the country step forward and make themselves heard. "I'm glad they're pushing adults to move the ball forward. We've been stuck for too long, there's been too many lives lost. This is unnecessary and has to be preventable. We are one of the greatest countries in the world and we should know how to fix this."
Both Gray and her mother mentioned that one of the issues that must be addressed immediately is the lack of scientific study on gun violence, referencing the 1996 Dickey Amendment which was lobbied for by the National Rifle Association and has essentially frozen any attempt by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct any studies on gun violence.
Also speaking was CSPA parent Yvonne Mackel, a member of Moms Demand Action, an advocacy group seeking tighter controls on assault weapons. Mackel said she was proud of the students for making a stand and that they shouldnât be deterred by the inaction of those in power. "I'm so sorry and heartbroken that we adults have failed to protect you from this burden that you now have to carry. But I have no doubt that change is coming. You all have the ability to be the leaders to make change happen."
Despite having a mandatory school uniform policy, many of the CSPA students were wearing orange, a color associated with the effort to curb youth gun violence. Others were also carrying signs, some of which read, âFear Has No Place In Our Schools,â âMental Illnesses Are Global, Mass Shootings Are Americanâ and âProtect People, Not Guns.â
After more than half an hour in the below-freezing temperatures, the students filed back into school to finish their day, but most were determined that they were not finished speaking out on the topic. (JK)
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Police Say Whitmore Lake Schools Shooting Threat CrediblePolice Say Whitmore Lake Schools Shooting Threat Credible
Four arrests have been made in connection with what police say was a credible threat to shoot up a Whitmore Lake school building.
The Northfield Township Police Department received information on Tuesday afternoon from Whitmore Lake Public Schools Superintendent Tom DeKeyser regarding a threat that had been made in reference to âshooting upâ a school building within the district. Officers immediately began to investigate and deemed the threat to be credible. Four arrests were made between the hours of 6pm and 7:30pm, including three adult males ages 17 -18 and one juvenile male age 16. All of the arrestees are current or past students of WLPS. The juvenile was lodged at the Washtenaw County Juvenile Detention Center and the adults were lodged at the Washtenaw County Jail. A weapon was seized during the course of the investigation.
The case is considered an active investigation and no further comments are being made at this time according to Director of Public Safety William Wagner. He says once the investigation is complete, it will be submitted to the Washtenaw County Prosecuting Attorneyâs Office for review and determination of appropriate charges. Whitmore Lake Public Schools were closed today as a precautionary measure. (JM)
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Snyder Seeks Disaster Declaration For Counties Affected By FloodingSnyder Seeks Disaster Declaration For Counties Affected By Flooding
A request from Governor Rick Snyder to the U.S. Small Business Administration may lead to financial assistance for local residents and businesses affected by recent flooding.
Snyder made the request Tuesday, asking the SBA to conduct damage assessments for eight Lower Peninsula counties to pave the way for a physical and economic disaster declaration. Based on information provided by Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and the Homeland Security Division, state officials requested representatives of the SBA conduct a preliminary damage assessment of the affected areas to document physical property damage to homes and businesses that sustained at least 40 percent uninsured losses.
In addition to Arenac, Barry, Berrien, Ingham, Kalamazoo, Kent, Newaygo and St. Joseph, the declaration would cover neighboring counties, include Livingston. The declaration would provide additional financial assistance to those recovering from damage done by widespread flooding that resulted from heavy rainfall and snow melt February 19th through the 21st.
If approved, the SBA disaster assistance program would offer low-interest loans to eligible residents and businesses, tailoring the repayment of each disaster loan to the borrowerâs financial capability. Temporary Disaster Loan Outreach Centers may be established in the impacted areas for one-on-one assistance and loan applications will be made available online or by mail.
Snyder declared a state of disaster on Monday for 17 counties and two cities due to flood damage, making state aid and financial assistance available to communities in the disaster area.
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