News File Photo Trees are seen scattered around Island Park in Alpena.

ALPENA — Support from the state government continues to pour into northern Michigan to help the region recover from a historic ice storm that happened at the end of March.

More money is being allocated to the relief efforts, and legislation to help schools is also in the works.

On Friday, State Rep. Cam Cavitt, R-Cheboygan, announced his proposed bill that addresses the 2024-2025 school year and would lift minimum school hour and day requirements for districts within a county covered by a state of emergency declared by the governor.

Those counties include Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle.

Cavitt said in a press release Friday that his plan is to ensure schools are not forced to remain in session until July because of ice storm-related closures. Many Northern Michigan schools were forced to close for weeks due to impassable roads and power outages after the devastating ice storm in late March.

“Our students just went through one of the most terrifying storms they will ever experience,” Cavitt said. “They lost power, connection to the outside world, access to groceries, and many other necessities that no one ever thought could just disappear for weeks on end. Things have been hard. We need to take steps to help these kids and their families, not force them to sit in schools that lack air conditioning until July.”

In a visit up north to tour the damage caused by the storm, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said that should the state legislature pass a bill for the schools, she would likely support it.

Also on Friday, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced over $1 million in Community Development Block Grant funds to assist in the recovery efforts in northern Michigan to ensure affected residents and communities receive the support and relief they need.

The storm caused widespread power outages, including loss of backup generators, loss of phone and cellular services, and impassable roads due to downed trees and other debris in 11 counties in northern Michigan. Though response efforts are still underway, the region suffered significant consequences from these conditions.

Whitmer declared a state of emergency that made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the designated areas.

Working in partnership with the Michigan State Police, $792,000 in grant funding will support the purchase of 30 generators, along with related costs, to 11 counties, each of which will receive $72,000.

Counties to receive support include Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinaw, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle.

In addition, Montmorency County will receive the $72,000 in CDBG funding to support the purchase of 30 generators, along with related costs, and $200,000 for food assistance to communities impacted by the disaster.

Cavitt said the people in the region are strong, and he anticipates the area will bounce back strong. Still, he said, additional state resources and funding are needed to lend a hand.

“Northern Michigan has shown incredible resilience in the face of the recent ice storms, and I’m grateful to see the state stepping up to support our communities in this time of need,” Cavitt said. “This funding will provide essential backup power to our hardest-hit areas and help ensure the safety and well-being of residents during future emergencies. I especially appreciate the additional support for Montmorency County, where the impact was severe. I want to thank the MEDC and the Disaster Recovery Team for their swift response and continued partnership as we work to rebuild and recover.”

State Sen. Michelle Hoitenga, R-Manton, said the funding is a good first step to helping the area and its residents recover from the historic storm that left tens of thousands of people without power and heat for many days.

“It is encouraging to see disaster relief funding for the communities most affected by the recent severe storms that swept across north Michigan,” Hoitenga said. “This effort is another step in the right direction and greatly appreciated.”

The MEDC said in its press release that funding will be leveraged by each of the counties to identify approximately five communities that were the hardest hit, and within those communities, prioritizing those businesses that provide health and safety services to residents.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or sschulwitz@TheAlpenaNews.com. Follow him on X @ss_alpenanews.com.