Rep. Moolenaar Talks to FEMA Officials, Trump Approves Disaster Request

WASHINGTON, May 23 -- Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Michigan, issued the following news release:

President Donald Trump approved the emergency disaster request made by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the state of Michigan for the flooding in mid Michigan. Today's approval retroactively allows FEMA to take emergency protective measures that support the safety of citizens and first responders. An additional approval for FEMA assistance with the removal of debris is still necessary. Also, FEMA will begin conducting a joint preliminary damage assessment with local officials. This must be completed before a "Major Declaration of Emergency" like the one the region received in 2017 will be approved. FEMA will have staff on the ground in Midland on Saturday to work with local officials in assessing the damage and providing support.

Congressman John Moolenaar spoke with FEMA Regional Administrator James Joseph tonight following President Trump's approval of the Michigan emergency declaration request. He also thanked President Trump and Governor Whitmer for their support in a series of tweets.

"Thank you to President Trump for his quick approval of the disaster declaration and to Governor Whitmer for quickly making the request," said Congressman Moolenaar. "Tonight I spoke with FEMA Regional Administrator Joseph and he pledged to support the region. FEMA will have staff on the ground on Saturday to do assessments and I will be working with all of our local, state, and federal officials to help Michigan families recover from this tragedy."