State, federal officials discuss rebuilding regulations, disaster assistance for flood victims - MLive.com

SAGINAW, MI - Officials from Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, or EGLE, and the Federal Emergency Management Administration, or FEMA, held a webinar Wednesday evening to discuss regulations surrounding flood-related property repairs and renovations.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Sept. 8, 60 days after President Donald Trump approved a federal disaster declaration for the flooding disaster caused by heavy rains and the collapse of the Edenville Dam on Tuesday, May 19. But anyone affected by the flooding shouldn’t wait anywhere near that long, said Dan Shulman, FEMA external affairs specialist for the region.

“There is no benefit to waiting ‘til the last minute,” Shulman said. “There is plenty of money to go around, we have plenty of capacity to serve survivors.”

Shulman asked residents to check with their family and friends to make sure they’ve applied for assistance. He also suggested checking even if you have provided information to 211 or a local government. Whether through calling, going online or using the FEMA app, you will know you’re registered because you will receive a 9 digit number afterwards, he said.

After property inspections, residents can receive funds through direct deposit in 48 hours or less, Shulman said. FEMA has already approved $4.5 million in assistance since Friday when the declaration was approved, with $3.8 already disbursed.

The assistance is not intended to make residents whole, however. The assistance is meant for essential repairs or replacing essential items and systems, as well as temporary housing while making repairs, Shulman said.

Officials from EGLE gave presentations on the permittingand regulations required for certain recovery projects. Brian Rudolph spoke about what’s required near inland lakes, streams and wetlands, including dredging and building or repairing seawalls. Joy Brooks, floodplain engineer at EGLE’s Bay City District Office, presented on what’s required when rebuilding within the 100-year floodplain.

“If you have questions that don’t get answered tonight, please feel free to give me a call,” Rudolph said. “We’re happy to work with you and try to answer questions as best as we can.”

Brooks recommended rebuilding right away, though the process can be quite complicated. Brooks, Rudolph and Shulman all encouraged residents with any questions or concerns to reach out to them or local authorities.

“I encourage you to give us a call,” Brooks said. “We’re happy to help you get through that... we have all of our floodplain engineers trying to help.”

The presenters included a contact sheet for Rudolph, Brooks, FEMA and local officials as well.

Read more:

President Trump OKs major disaster declaration for mid-Michigan after severe flooding

Federal disaster declared for mid-Michigan flooding: How to get assistance

Saginaw libraries no longer charge overdue fines

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