KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – All of the $3 million contributed by the state of Michigan to fund tornado relief in Kalamazoo County is now on its way to help victims.
Last night, County Administrator Kevin Catlin announced that most of the money is going to agencies and local units helping residents impacted by the tornado.
“That’s a good thing, so it will be the Community Foundation, United Way of South Central Michigan and After the Storm all have funding in their hands,” Catlin says.
Texas Township Supervisor Joanne O’Rourke says they are happy to get the state assistance, but it’s going to take more money and a lot more time to fully recover.
“Last year I started calling this a two-generation recovery. This year I’m calling it a multi generation, right because I think it’s more than two generations.”
About a third of the money, $1 million, was set aside to help businesses damaged or destroyed by the May 7th tornado.
Portage chief operations officer Adam Herringa says 53 businesses applied and they are working through their applications to make sure the requests are legitimate.
“What we’re seeking is just the documentation that you need so that we feel comfortable, like insurance adjusters, that the claims are valid, that they have the documentation they have the proof.”
The Portage City Council has agreed to send $450,000 from the state funding to the group “After the Storm,” which specializes in helping communities conduct disaster relief efforts. Funding has also been allocated to Texas and Pavilion townships.
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