FEMA Still Says No For Utility, Homeowner Relief For Ice Storm

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 10/24/2025) The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) rejected Michigan’s appeal for multiple federal disaster aid programs requested in response to the March 2025 ice storm that caused widespread damage across northern Michigan. 

Michigan was seeking, specifically, relief for power companies, which suffered hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to their systems, and individuals, who were forced to spend thousands of dollars on immediate tree removal to prevent damaged branches from falling on homes, barns and other structures. 

"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.” 

Sen. John DaMoose (R-Harbor Springs) called the decision “really bad news." The Presque Isle Electric & Gas Cooperative is looking at $150 million in losses even after a $20 surcharge it tacked onto its customers' bills. According to WCMU, the worst-case scenario is to take out a 30-year loan or bond and pay off the amount with interest. 

The Great Lakes Energy board last month approved what amounts to a $17.18-a-month increase on residential customers in reaction to the “massive cleanup costs” related to repairing 4,300 miles of power lines and 3,100 poles,  according to MLive. 

Damoose said $14 million was inserted into the state budget for replanting trees, but there's been nothing to help Northern Michiganders with relief from the costs associated with the heavy ice storm. 

“We're talking about thousands of dollars of damages to individual families,” he said. “I needed to spend $10,000 to take down four trees on my property. We don't have that kind of money just lying around.” 

The House passed a $100 million relief package earlier this year, and Damoose said he'll be in discussions to move state-level disaster relief forward because “we need to do something.” 

In a letter earlier this week, FEMA officials said they're still looking at moving additional funds to Northern Michigan through a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), which funds long-term projects to reduce future risks. 

Between March 28-30, a severe winter storm blasted northern Michigan with extreme ice, causing prolonged and widespread power outages, hazardous conditions, and record levels of infrastructure damage. 

On July 22, President Donald Trump approved $50 million in disaster relief for emergency work and certain permanent repairs across 13 counties and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. 

FEMA initially denied assistance for assistance to utilities, housing losses and long-term projects to reduce future risks. Michigan filed an appeal Aug. 25. 

MIRS - is Michigan's leading capitol news and legislative tracking service. Voted best capitol coverage by lawmakers, staff, lobbyists and associations 20 years running. To learn more, visit us at home.mirs.news