flooding

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is launching four new disaster recovery centers in Michigan to help address requests for assistance related to the severe flooding in late June. We get the details from WEMU's Taylor Pinson.

Washtenaw and Wayne Counties were devastated by heavy rains and flooding during late June storms.  FEMA and the federal Small Business Administration are setting up camp in the area to help those in need. 12th District Congressional representative Debbie Dingell joined WEMU's David Fair to highlight the  available assistance while pushing for approval of the federal infrastructure bill. 

Recent heavy rainfall brought significant flood damage to many southeast Michigan communities, including Washtenaw County. The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners has declared a state of emergency, but, in order to get further aid, a state of emergency must be declared by Governor Whitmer, as she did in Wayne County. 12th District Representative Debbie Dingell spoke with WEMU's David Fair about the need for immediate help and a massive investment in new transportation and water infrastructure.

The wildfires along the United States West Coast continue to devastate homes and the surrounding environment.  Many environmental experts consider this more evidence of climate change, and yet some politicians constantly dispute those claims.  Dr. Richard Rood, professor of climate and space sciences and engineering at the University of Michigan, discusses his thoughts on this conflict, as well as the effects the fires have had on southeast Michigan, with WEMU's David Fair on this week's "Issues of the Environment."

Climate change has brought more frequent incidents of heavy rains and flooding.  Old and poorly maintained infrastructure is at risk as water levels rise, and we saw that play out in Midland where two dams broke and forced evacuation of 11,000 people.  On "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair catches up with U of M professor of urban and regional planning Dr. Richard Norton.  Together they explore what to consider about the aging dams in Michigan and how proper development planning in the future can serve as a measure of flood prevention.  

It's been forecast that this spring will be quite wet.  That could bring flooding to portions of Washtenaw County.  Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner Evan Pratt joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss planning for such issues and the proactive nature of work already underway on this week's "Issues of the Environment."

Climate change affects more than just the weather.  It can lead to numerous other problems, such as excessive flooding. In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair chats with Andrew Gronewold, associate professor at the University of Michigan's School for Environment and Sustainability, about what climate change and flooding mean for the future of the Great Lakes region.

Recovery and relief efforts continue in southeast Texas. Harsh environmental issues will have to be dealt with in Hurricane Harvey's aftermath. 89.1 WEMU's David Fair and the MLCV's Lisa Wozniak  also explores the Lake Erie Algae Bloom and Nestle's desire to withdraw more water in Osceola County for its bottled water operations. It's all part of the monthly series, "1st Friday Focus on the Environment." 

Several elected officials will update the public and listen to concerns this week on the ongoing 1.4 dioxane contamination plume int he Ann Arbor area. Changes in parking enforcement are under discussion. How can you participate? Find out in this week's "Civic Matters" with WEMU's David Fair and Mary Morgan of the CivCity Initiative. 

Michigan is sending help to West Virginia in the aftermath of deadly flooding in West Virginia.  

Rain Gardens are often beautiful. While they may look similar to a typical residential garden, there are important difference. This week, we take a look at the Washtenaw County Rain Garden, and the coordinator, Susan Bryan to discuss those matters in this weeks Issues of the Environment.

The city of Ann Arbor now has a plan in place to use sharpshooters to cull 100-deer this winter.  In this week's 'Issues of the Environment' WEMU's David Fair Fair talks to Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor about the emotional decision to use lethal methods. Additionally,  they discuss the  environmental impacts of deer overpopulation and the city's environmental agenda, moving forward. 

Wet basements are a problem this time of year. If you don't work to prevent water and moisture from getting in, the bills for remediation escalate quickly. In this week's 'Issues of the Environment',  Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner Evan Pratt offers up some tips for you. 

FEMA approves more than $33 million for flood assistance in less than two weeks

Federal and state officials say their efforts to get Michigan flood victims to apply for assistance are working. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says more than 40,000 people have applied in less than two weeks.

FEMA has already approved close to $34 million dollars for 18,000 of those applicants.

"We do feel that we're getting the word out," said Erika Lopez, a spokesperson with FEMA's team in Metro Detroit.