The Michigan State Police's Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is asking communities to apply for a portion of $150 million in federal funding available for projects that prepare for natural hazards and disasters.
The Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program, established last year through the STORM Act, is a five-year initiative backed by Democratic Michigan Senator Gary Peters. It aims to provide low interest loans to communities across the nation for disaster preparedness and infrastructure improvement.
Local communities in Michigan can submit project proposals to the state police's emergency management division.
The division's Public Information Officer Lauren Thompson Phillips explained how the funding helps local communities.
"Funding is in the form of low interest loans for communities to make this sort of project more affordable and budget friendly in an effort to keep all of our communities safer for all Michigan residents," she said.
Projects eligible for funding include those addressing drought, severe storms, tornadoes, winter weather, wildfires, flooding, shoreline erosion, zoning, and land use planning changes.
"The type of projects that it can be used for would be for effects of drought or prolonged episodes of intense heat ... across the state," Phillips said.
The goal is to make communities safer and more resilient.
The program encourages township and city officials to submit project proposals to enhance public infrastructure.
Community leaders can participate by filling out project proposals online.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that $150 million in federal funding is available to states based on their proposals and need.
