State Rep. Ken Borton, R-Gaylord, on Friday released the following statement of support after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer requested a Presidential Emergency Declaration (EM) following devastating storms in Northern Michigan:

“There are a lot of people standing behind President Trump in Northern Michigan. Now we need him to back us up in our time of need. This emergency declaration and the federal funding it would bring are crucial to recovery efforts in our rural communities.

“This was a once-in-a-generation storm. No one could’ve imagined the level of destruction it caused. Every bit of damage comes with a price tag. Every first responder and frontline worker putting in overtime has to be paid.

“I’m glad the governor recognizes the massive financial burden these recovery efforts have on our Northern Michigan community. We’re working our tails off to secure relief at the state level – bringing the conversation to Washington D.C. is the next step toward securing the resources we need.”

The historic ice and wind storms left more than 100,000 homes and businesses without power and rendered hundreds of miles of roads inaccessible.

If approved, the emergency declaration would authorize up to $5 million in immediate public assistance.

###