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Federal Support For Polar Vortex Damage Rejected

MARQUETTE (AP) — Michigan officials say northern communities dealing with damage caused by last winter's extreme cold aren't eligible for federal support through a presidential disaster declaration.

The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division said Friday the Federal Emergency Management Agency conducted damage assessments. It found that $10.1 million in submitted damages were eligible toward the $13.7 million statewide threshold that's necessary before a presidential disaster declaration can be made.

State officials say they are exploring alternatives to help communities recover and rebuild.

More than $6 million in Community Development Block Grants were approved by the state this week for counties to repair damaged water and sewer mains, roads and other infrastructure.

Gov. Rick Snyder declared states of emergency or disaster Marquette County and several others last spring.

 

(Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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