Michigan Delegation Unites to Support Federal Disaster Relief After Devastating Ice Storm

In late March, an unprecedented ice storm tore through northern Michigan and parts of the Upper Peninsula, leaving behind a trail of downed trees, damaged power lines, and widespread outages that affected tens of thousands of electric cooperative members. Months later, the physical cleanup may be mostly complete, but the financial toll remains.

That’s why Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) actively worked with Michigan’s entire congressional delegation to advocate for federal disaster relief—and the result is a rare and powerful show of bipartisan unity. Every member of Michigan’s delegation—Republican and Democrat alike—signed a joint letter urging President Trump to approve Governor Whitmer’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration. Whether their districts include electric co-ops or not, every lawmaker stood behind rural communities hit hardest by the storm.

“This is a critical step in helping our communities and cooperatives move forward after this historic event,” said MECA President & CEO John Kran. “We’re incredibly grateful for the delegation’s strong, united support.”

Read the full letter to the President here.