The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has rejected the State of Michigan’s appeal for multiple federal disaster aid programs requested in response to the historic March 2025 ice storm that caused widespread damage across northern Michigan, according to a Michigan State Police (MSP) press release on Friday.

“While the denial of additional federal aid is disappointing, Michigan has a strong foundation for recovery,” Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the MSP, Emergency Management, and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD), said in the release. “Together with our local and state partners, we will continue to provide the support and coordination needed to help communities recover.”

According to the release, FEMA officials reaffirmed the denial of Public Assistance (PA) Category F funding, which would have supported permanent repairs to damaged utilities, and Individual Assistance (IA), which helps residents with housing and disaster-related losses. FEMA stated that the appeal of denial for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), which funds long-term projects to reduce future risks, is still under review.

The March 2025 ice storm, which began on March 28, caused prolonged and widespread power outages, hazardous conditions, and record levels of infrastructure damage, according to MSP. Rural electric cooperatives were among the hardest hit with economic damages.

The release states that on July 22 President Donald J. Trump approved a federal disaster declaration authorizing FEMA PA funding for emergency work and certain permanent repairs across 13 counties and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.

FEMA initially denied assistance for the following:

– PA Category F, which would fund permanent repairs to damaged utilities.

– IA, which helps residents with housing and disaster-related losses.

– HMGP, which funds long-term projects to reduce future risks.

– The State of Michigan filed an appeal of those denials on Aug. 25.

For updates on the recovery process, visit michigan.gov/icestorm or follow MSP/EMHSD on X.