East Michigan News

Congressmen John Moolenaar and Dan Kildee have announced nearly $2 million in federal funding to help the Midland Center for the Arts repair severe flood damage caused by the failure of the Edenville and Sanford Dams. The funding comes from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is a result of the sustained efforts of Moolenaar and Kildee to deliver disaster relief funding to the center.

Following the dam failures in May 2020, Moolenaar and Kildee secured a Major Disaster Declaration for Midland and Saginaw Counties, which allowed the Midland Center for the Arts to apply for FEMA's Public Assistance program. Since then, the congressmen have been working directly with FEMA to ensure that the center receives the necessary federal assistance.

"I am delighted to announce FEMA will be providing nearly $2 million in grant funding to the Midland Center for the Arts," said Moolenaar. "The Center is a staple of the community, showcasing the works of talented artists and hosting events. Following the devastating floods in 2020, we have been working to support the Midland community's recovery and mitigation efforts to help it get back on its feet. I will continue to advocate for Midland as it continues to recover."

Congressman Kildee expressed his excitement about securing federal funding to help restore the Midland Center for the Arts. "After many years of work, I'm thrilled to announce we've secured millions in federal funding to help restore one of Midland's great cultural institutions," said Kildee. "The Midland Center for the Arts will use this funding to continue to educate our children and enrich our community. In Congress, I will keep fighting to support flood recovery and mitigation efforts in Midland."

Jon Loos, the Midland Center for the Arts Chief Operating Officer, expressed gratitude for the funding and the support of Congressmen Kildee and Moolenaar. "We are very happy to receive our first FEMA funds for part of the flood damage from 2020," said Loos. "With the extensive damage to the electrical system at the Center, this much-needed funding will allow us to repair that damage while we also construct the new museum space in the Center. We are so grateful for Congressmen Kildee and Moolenaar's help in getting us to this point."

In addition to this funding, Congressmen Moolenaar and Kildee have been advocating for mid-Michigan families impacted by the May 2020 flooding. They have helped secure nearly $1.6 million for Sanford and more than $25 million in federal funds for the repair and reconstruction of federal highways, roads, and bridges that were damaged by the dam failures.

The failure of the Edenville and Sanford Dams in May 2020 resulted in devastating flooding along the Tittabawassee River in Gladwin, Midland, and Saginaw counties. Thousands of properties were damaged, homes and businesses were destroyed, and infrastructure was severely affected. The estimated loss was over $190 million, with more than 2,300 homes directly impacted.

The funding announced by Congressmen Moolenaar and Kildee will play a crucial role in the recovery and restoration of the Midland Center for the Arts, allowing it to continue serving the community and providing a platform for talented artists.