$500 Million Available to Help Communities Prevent Damage from Natural Disasters

The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is working to help local communities reduce risks from natural hazards and disasters.

The Division is seeking proposals from communities to implement hazard mitigation projects which would be funded through low-interest loans.

The new “Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program” provides $500 in funding. The funding is part of U.S. Senator Gary Peters’ “Safeguarding Tomorrow Through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act.”

The STORM Act gives FEMA the authority to work with states and tribal governments to establish low-interest loan funds for disaster mitigation.

Projects designed to reduce disaster risks for homeowners, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and communities from the impact of natural hazards are eligible for this program and include… severe storms, tornados, and extreme winter weather… wildfires… shoreline erosion, high water levels, and storm surges… among others.

Communities interested in applying for a loan must complete the online project informationform by March 24.