Michigan to Receive Over $248 Million in Federal COVID-19 Reimbursement
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has been awarded more than $248 million from federal funds to cover expenses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, as announced by state and federal officials on Tuesday. The funding, amounting to $248,096,445, was confirmed in a press release issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) along with the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division of the Michigan State Police (EMHSD).
Strong Commitment from FEMA
“FEMA is dedicated to supporting recovery efforts in Michigan and across our nation following the pandemic,” stated Michael S. Chesney, acting administrator for FEMA’s Region 5—encompassing states such as Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin as well as Michigan. “This grant will bolster crucial initiatives undertaken by MDHHS aimed at safeguarding public health throughout the state.”
Reimbursing Critical Health Measures
This financial support is designed to reimburse MDHHS for emergency safety actions taken after a federal disaster declaration was issued on March 27, 2020. Expenses under this funding include acquiring and administering tests for COVID-19 among other critical health measures.
The allocation consists of two distinct projects undertaken by MDHHS. The first project will receive full reimbursement amounting to $228,761,804 from FEMA. Meanwhile for the second initiative involving costs nearing $21 million ($21,482,934), FEMA will cover an impressive 90% of eligible expenses.
Importance of Federal Partnerships
Elizabeth Hertel, director of MDHHS commented on this support: “Our collaboration with federal partners has been crucial in ensuring that we could protect our most vulnerable populations throughout the ongoing crisis.” She emphasized that through this aid from FEMA’s program both testing sites and vaccination rollouts were significantly bolstered across Michigan.
Continuing Support Amid Recovery Efforts
Last week also saw an announcement where Detroit Public Schools Community District secured over $70 million intended for reimbursement connected with pandemic-related expenses.
FEMA’s Public Assistance Program plays a vital role in providing essential funding not just for local governmental bodies but also qualifying private nonprofit entities engaged in restoration activities associated with disaster-stricken infrastructures like debris removal or emergency maintenance directed towards human safety.
For further inquiries: [email protected] | Twitter: @max_detroitnews
