KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo County will be sending cash to help with the tornado cleanup.
The county Board of Commissioners will tap into remaining American Rescue Protection Act (ARPA) funding to contribute $800,000.
It was revealed during the discussion that while the damage was substantial, it may not be enough to qualify for federal and state aid.
Administrator Kevin Catlin says the cost to local municipalities has to reach a certain threshold to receive that funding, and he’s not optimistic.
He says the immediate need is to cover the cost of removing debris.
The county board has voted to allocate $250,000 to Portage and $180,000 combined to Texas and Pavilion townships.
Commissioners will also give the United Way $270,000 for distribution. They are the local agency managing public donations for the relief effort. Because it’s COVID-19 money, it can only be used to help ALICE families, those meeting low-income thresholds.
The Texas Township board approved another $100,000 for cleanup on Monday.
Joanne McFarland O’Rourke is president of the Colony Woods association in Texas Township. She says insurance will only pay for so much.
Portage City Manager Pat McGinnis also made an appearance to request help from the county.
The Office of Emergency Management’s early estimates are that about 60% of the damage occurred in Portage, 21% in Pavilion Township, and 19% in Texas Township. Dollar figures are not yet available.
Commissioners had planned to find another use for that COVID-19 funding, but felt this was a more pressing need.
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