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Michigan asks for disaster declaration

Governor Rick Snyder is requesting a disaster declaration be made in Michigan after historic flooding in mid-June.

Following a formal assessment of widespread damage, the governor is asking for federal assistance in Bay, Isabella, Gladwin and Midland counties.

Michigan declared those counties in a “state of disaster” at the beginning of the month and is now seeking individual assistance for residents from the President.

Early estimates calculate damages near $100 million in the region with rural infrastructure taking the brunt of the devastation. County extension educators say crop damages will be at least $40 million.

Farm Service Agency Acting Executive Director for Michigan Troy Nichols says the agency has seven different disaster assistance and low-interest loan programs available to help farmers impacted by flooding.