In response to one of the most destructive weather events Northern Michigan has seen in decades, Rep. Parker Fairbairn, R-Harbor Springs, is pushing for a $75 million state appropriation to unlock an estimated $300 million in total recovery funds.

House Bill 4328, introduced Wednesday, would provide the 25% state match required to qualify for federal disaster relief funding. That money could flow into the region if the federal government declares a disaster in the coming weeks. The March ice storm knocked out power to more than 100,000 homes and businesses, flattened trees, severed power lines, and left many roads impassable across northern counties.

“Our Northern Michigan communities are doing everything they can to address historic damages, but funding is running short, and they need help,” Fairbairn said. “After a once-in-a-generation storm, we need a lot more than calloused hands and work boots to get things back to normal.”

Fairbairn framed the proposal to return taxpayer dollars to the communities that need them most. He emphasized that the residents hit hardest by the storm are people who have “dutifully paid their taxes for generations” and deserve meaningful support from the state.

Initial estimates from the Michigan State Police placed the cost of recovery at $200 million, though Fairbairn warned that the number will likely rise as assessments continue. Several debris drop-off locations have already reached capacity, and some municipalities have run out of money to haul debris away. Local governments struggle to keep up with cleanup operations, utility restoration, and public safety concerns.

“There are several debris drop-off locations that have been forced to close because they’ve filled up, and the local officials have run out of money to get rid of the debris themselves,” Fairbairn said. “It’s becoming alarmingly clear that we’re going to need a lot of dollars if we ever hope to get this mess cleaned up.”

Alongside the physical damage, communities are also facing economic fallout. Businesses were forced to shut their doors, families went without heat and electricity for days, and some residents are still navigating temporary housing arrangements. The storm’s impact has rippled across local economies, underscoring the urgency of financial relief.

Go Ad-Free, Get Content, Go Premium Today - $1 Trial

The proposed $300 million in funding would support a wide range of recovery efforts. That includes emergency management assistance, continued operation of warming centers, energy assistance, cleanup and debris removal, temporary employment opportunities for displaced workers, and repairs to public infrastructure. Any unspent funds would be used to restore state-owned land or reimburse third-party organizations supporting recovery efforts.

The House Appropriations Committee approved Fairbairn’s bill on Wednesday afternoon. If a federal disaster declaration is issued, the plan would position Michigan to act quickly and provide support where it is most needed.