Reps. Kildee, Moolenaar Secure Extension for Midland Center for the Arts to Apply for Federal Assistance for Flood Damage

Statement

Congressman Dan Kildee, Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, and Congressman John Moolenaar, today announced that the Midland Center for the Arts will have more time to apply for federal assistance to repair severe flood damage caused by the failure of the Edenville and Sanford Dams.

Following the May 2020 dam failures and flood, Kildee and Moolenaar worked to secure a Major Disaster Declaration for Midland and Saginaw Counties, allowing the Midland Center for the Arts to be eligible to apply for U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) Public Assistance program. However, because of COVID-19's impact on the staffing and operations of some federal agencies, the Midland Center for the Arts did not have everything required from the federal government to submit their application.

Congressman Kildee and Congressman Moolenaar worked diligently to ensure the Midland Center of the Arts would not be penalized for events outside of their control and delays on the part of the federal government. As a result, FEMA has extended the application deadline until January 8, 2023.

"The Midland Center for the Arts is a critical cultural institution in our community. In Congress, I'm working to ensure it is eligible for federal assistance to recover from recent flooding. I will continue to work to bring federal resources back home to mid-Michigan to help with Midland County's flood recovery efforts," said Congressman Kildee.

"I am grateful FEMA has granted an extension to the Midland Center for the Arts to help with its ongoing recovery from the flooding in 2020. I have led the efforts to bring rebuilding and relief funding to the region for homeowners, small businesses, and local governments, and that work continues every day," said Congressman Moolenaar.

"This 428 extension with FEMA will allow us the greatest flexibility in moving forward with flood repair and mitigation for all Center facilities," noted Jon Loos, Midland Center for the Arts Chief Operating Officer. "We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Kildee, Congressman Moolenaar and their staff for assisting us in obtaining the time we need to move forward with our planning process."

Congressmen Kildee and Moolenaar continue to advocate for mid-Michigan families impacted by the May 2020 flooding, including helping to secure nearly $1 million for Sanford and more than $25 million in federal funds for the repair and reconstruction of federal highways, roads and bridges that were damaged by the dam failures.

In May 2020, severe weather in mid-Michigan contributed to the failures of two dams, causing devastating flooding along the Tittabawassee River in Gladwin, Midland, and Saginaw counties. Both the Edenville Dam, located on Wixom Lake, and the Sanford Dam, were breached and flooded nearby areas, destroying homes, businesses, roads and infrastructure. In total, the flooding damaged over 3,700 properties and the estimated loss was over $190 million. More than 2,300 homes were directly affected, causing structural damage, electrical damage, furnace and water heater damage and extensive mold.

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