Michigan Governor Calls for Creation of Natural Disaster Fund

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder is proposing setting aside state funds to use in the case of natural disasters such as forest fires, tornadoes and floods.

Snyder is calling for $4 million in the budget for fiscal year 2014 that begins Oct. 1 to create a Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund. The Republican governor’s plan would also add $4 million to the fund in fiscal year 2015.

The emergency fund would allow Michigan to be financially ready to respond in the case of a natural disaster or state emergency, according to Snyder’s proposal.

Last year, the Duck Lake fire in the Upper Peninsula’s Luce County burned nearly 33 square miles of land and destroyed 136 homes, cabins and recreational vehicles.