Rep. Dingell Urges for Presidential Disaster Declaration for Michigan Flood Relief

DEARBORN, Michigan, July 16 -- Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Michigan, issued the following news release on July 15, 2021:

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) sent a letter to President Biden in support of Governor Whitmer's ask for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Michigan, which would authorize additional federal relief to support Michiganders suffering in the wake of the floods and facilitate a swift recovery.

Dingell wrote, "Since June 25th, numerous cities across Southeast Michigan have suffered widespread damage from heavy rainfalls, severe flooding, and tornados. These cities are home to many of my constituents in Michigan's 12th Congressional District. The flooding, which took the lives of two individuals in Wayne County, continues to affect these residents daily as they clean up, assess the damage, and try to rebuild. We urge you to declare a Major Disaster for the State of Michigan and immediately mobilize emergency aid available to protect the life and property of our residents.

"Preliminary assessments of the damage are ongoing in Washtenaw and Wayne counties, but the current estimates certainly underestimate the true impact on households and individuals. The city of Dearborn, for example, has stated that only approximately 12,000 homes have filled out flood damage forms out of an estimated 20,000 homes that were believed to be impacted."

* * *

July 14, 2021

To: The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr., The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

This letter is being sent in support of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration consistent with the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

Since June 25th , numerous cities across Southeast Michigan have suffered widespread damage as a result of heavy rainfalls, severe flooding, and tornados. These cities are home to many of my constituents in Michigan's 12th Congressional District. The flooding, which took the lives of two individuals in Wayne County, continues to affect these residents daily as they clean up, assess the damage, and try to rebuild. We urge you to declare a Major Disaster for the State of Michigan and immediately mobilize emergency aid available to protect the life and property of our residents.

Our State and Local officials, and first responders have responded quickly to the immediate aftermath of this crisis, but additional federal support is necessary to address the significant impact that this disaster has had on our communities.

The disaster has caused extensive damage to homes, personal belongings, and mechanical and electrical systems, disrupted businesses and transportation, and endangered the lives of residents. Many of those affected by these storms have been displaced, are suffering from exacerbated health risks, or are bearing significant financial burden from damages and limited insurance coverage. Preliminary assessments of the damage are ongoing in Washtenaw and Wayne counties, but the current estimates certainly underestimate the true impact on households and individuals--the city of Dearborn, for example, has stated that only approximately 12,000 homes have filled out flood damage forms out of an estimated 20,000 homes that were believed to be impacted. It is critical that a Presidential Disaster Declaration is declared to authorize supplemental federal relief to protect these residents and facilitate a swift recovery.

Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this urgent matter and any available federal assistance your administration is able to provide to our communities during this time of need.

Sincerely,

Debbie Dingell

Member of Congress