News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Gov. Gretchen Whitmer places gallon jugs of water on shelves while visiting Meijer in Alpena after an ice storm hit northern Michigan. On Monday, Whitmer requested an extension from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to submit a request for a major disaster declaration.

ALPENA — On Monday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer requested an extension from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to submit a request for a major disaster declaration following a historic ice storm that knocked out power and communications and left hundreds of miles of roads blocked by fallen trees and debris across the upper and lower peninsulas.

Whitmer has requested this extension to ensure local jurisdictions and municipalities are given adequate time to complete response activities and assess the impacts and damages.

Whitmer’s request came in a press release on Monday.

Given the severity of the ice storm, local jurisdictions continue to be involved in prolonged response and recovery operations. Most impacted municipalities are still responding to the needs within their communities related to the incident more than three weeks later. Some residents remain without power, with restoration efforts increasing in urgency. Local damage assessments have largely just been completed, laying the path for Preliminary Damage Assessments that start this week.

These joint assessments will determine whether the extent of damage meets federal thresholds for a Major Disaster Declaration.

Based on the results, the state may request individual assistance to directly help homeowners and renters, and public assistance, which would provide reimbursement to local governments, certain non-profit entities, and tribal agencies for response costs, debris removal, and repair of damaged infrastructure.

“The historic ice storms in Northern Michigan have required an all-hands-on-deck approach to help get the power back on, clear roads, and keep people safe,” Whitmer said in the release. “With recovery efforts still ongoing, I am asking FEMA for an extension to submit a major disaster declaration request, so we can get a complete picture of what resources and support these local communities need as they recover from this devastating storm. We’ll continue coordinating closely with first-responders, local communities, our federal partners, and Michiganders on the ground. Michiganders are strong, and we’ll get through this together.”

Congressman Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, said the governor has his support for an extension because things are still not back to normal in northern Michigan.

“I fully support Governor Whitmer’s extension request for submitting the State’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration,” Bergman said. “This additional time will ensure our communities can fully assess the damage caused by the ice storm and submit a request that accurately reflects the needs of our district. This is a critical step toward securing the federal resources necessary for recovery and rebuilding.”

State Rep. Cam Cavitt, R-Cheboygan, said many people are still trying to put the damage from the storm behind them, but they need more help to make sure they rebound. He said he also agrees with Whitmer’s request for more help.

“We’re still picking up the pieces after this storm,” Cavitt said. “Some folks just got their power turned on and some kids aren’t even back in school yet. Asking for federal support isn’t something you rush or guess. The governor saw first-hand how bad things got, so I’m thankful to her for recognizing the needs of our communities and working to get us more time to make this critical request.”

The storm, which left tens of thousands of people without power, heat, and running water, hit Northeast Michigan starting on March 28, and some people are still without power today. On April 11, Whitmer officially asked President Donald Trump for help in response to the recent ice storm and urged him to issue a Presidential Emergency Declaration for the State of Michigan, 12 northern counties, and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.

Both the governor and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist visited Alpena to tour the damage caused by the storm and to meet with locals.

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