2 weeks until deadline for federal relief for August tornado

Amanda Porter
·2 min read

PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — People affected by the EF1 tornado that rushed through Comstock Park in August have only about two weeks left to file for aid through the federal Small Business Administration.

The SBA and Federal Emergency Management Agency are honing in on West Michigan residents still recovering from the tornado.

“FEMA and the SBA have a deadline of April 8th for people to make their application for people to get physical damages assistance,” Anita Steenson, the public affairs specialist at the SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience, said.

The August tornado caused damage to homes and businesses. Shingles were ripped away, trees uprooted and metal equipment crumpled by winds in excess of 100 mph.

Comstock Park neighbors: Tornado damage taking too long to repair

Affected homeowners without insurance may still be at a crossroads when figuring out how to pay for repairs. FEMA and the SBA have disaster relief aid and disaster loans available for them. The first thing they need to do is go online for an application.

“To DisasterAssistance.gov and they can register with FEMA. and the next thing that will happen is they will usually get an email to apply with SBA,” Steenson said.

During disasters, the SBA makes loans to homeowners and renters.

“The best part about it is there are no payments and no interest for one year and the interest is not accrued during that year. So people really have an opportunity to recover,” Steenson said.

FEMA and the SBA have set up aid locations and have been attending local events to get the information to homeowners.

“The loans are 2.5% interest fixed over 30 years, so it’s really a unique opportunity,” Steenson said.

FEMA: More than $100 million already approved to cover storm damage in Michigan

Applications for assistance are due April 8. Even if you send in an application before then, you can decide you don’t actually need a loan and you won’t have to accept one.

“So make the application, keep the options open,” Steenson said.

The IRS has also extended the deadline for Michigan residents and businesses impacted by severe storms to file their taxes. People affected by the storms have until June 17 to file their returns.

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