🚨State Rep. Parker Fairbairn’s "Ice Storm Emergency Recovery" Bill Passes State House With 107-1 Vote🚨

State Rep. Parker Fairbairn

By Brandon Hall 

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

State Rep. Parker Fairbairn’s emergency legislation to provide $100 million in much needed state relief for Northern Michigan and UP after the devastating and historic ice storm in March was passed 107 to 1 in the State House on Wednesday.

The destruction was described in some areas as equivalent to an EF5 tornado, or a Category 5 hurricane... 

The bill now heads to the State Senate, where it is expected to be passed, then signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.  State Rep. Steve Carra was the only "no" vote.

The plan could also help with obtaining federal disaster relief funding.

“This was a once-in-a-generation weather event,” Fairbairn said during a floor speech, Wednesday. “Ice coated trees, powerlines, radio and cell towers, roads, rooftops, cars and homes. The thickness and weight of which snapped limbs, power poles, broadcast antennas, electrical masts, and structural supports across Northern Michigan.”

House Bill 4328 provides disaster relief grants to reimburse property owners, businesses and local governments for cost associated with repairs and clean-up necessitated by storm damage.

“Residents and local governments have been doing everything they can to clear hurricane-level debris and make repairs,” Fairbairn said. “But, after weeks of work, personal and municipal finances are stretched thin. This plan would provide a hand-up to Northern Michigan during a time when it has been laid low by Mother Nature.”

Fairbairn, elected in 2024, lives in Harbor Springs, representing Charlevoix County and Emmet County, as well as portions of Cheboygan, Chippewa, and Mackinac counties.

Fairbairn speaks on behalf of HB4328, joined by other Northern Michigan and UP legislators

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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com