PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are scheduled to begin inspecting neighborhoods today in Kalamazoo County hit by last week’s EF-2 tornado to put dollar figures on the damage, and to determine if a federal disaster declaration will be made, and the area be eligible for assistance from Washington.
Early figures show over 500 buildings were damaged, 60 of them beyond repair.
Portage city officials are asking the victims of last week’s tornado to put their downed trees and other natural materials by the curb for pickup by city crews.
Mayor Patricia Randall announced they are organizing pick-ups for other types of debris, contacting private haulers and places that will accept the non-natural wastes.
City Manager Patrick McGinnis says they have enough extra cash in their fund balance to cover the cost of the clean-up.
Hundreds of residents signed up with the city to volunteer for the clean-up.
Mayor Randall says Team Rubicon sent 40 experienced volunteers to help, for free.
They have been sleeping on cots at the Portage Senior Center.
In the meantime, the clean-up and the recovery continues.
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