LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Electric Cooperative Association  (MECA) has released the following statement regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) recent denial of Michigan’s appeal for additional Category F Public Assistance funding. The funding would help offset costs from the March ice storm in Northern Michigan that caused catastrophic damage.

“FEMA’s decision against providing aid to our rural co-ops ultimately means higher costs for the local communities they serve,” said John Kran, president & CEO of MECA. “Because electric cooperatives are member owned and not-for-profit, every dollar spent on storm recovery affects local Michigan families, farmers and small businesses. MECA is working every day with our state and federal partners to understand the recent appeal denial and explore all available options so we protect and provide relief to the tens of thousands Michigan ratepayers affected by this unprecedented storm.”