As Michigan continues to face record-high winter temperatures, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer urges small businesses in the state that were impacted by the lack of snow to apply for federal funding from the Small Business Administration (SBA).
Michigan is amid the warmest winter on record, with days in February and March topping 60 degrees.
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Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are available because of ongoing federal drought declarations affecting 42 counties in the state.
“Michiganders are used to tough winters, but this year’s record-setting warm winter has been tough in a different way, causing economic hardships for small businesses and regional economies that rely on snow. I know how hard this winter has been on families and communities who rely on winter tourism revenue and all the associated business that comes with it—hotels, restaurants, and shops. Fortunately, businesses in these 42 counties in the UP and the Northern Lower Peninsula can apply for support right now. A drought is a drought—whether we’re talking about rain or snow. Businesses impacted by low snow in these 42 counties can apply for support right now, and I’ll continue to push our federal government for more solutions. We’ll get through this warm winter together.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Record-Breaking Winter
- The UP200 was canceled for the second year in a row because of warm weather.
- Sixteen percent of the Great Lakes froze over this winter, compared to 53% normally.
- Marquette has seen 72.6 inches of snow this season, compared to 127 inches on average.
- The CopperDog 150 in the Keweenaw Peninsula was canceled due to weather.
- The Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race in Newberry was canceled due to weather.
- Detroit reached 73 degrees on February 27, the hottest February day in recorded history—dating back to 1874.
- Snowfall in Grand Rapids is more than three feet—36 inches—below the seasonal average.
“It’s all hands on deck to ensure our small businesses affected by the unseasonable lack of snow across the First District are able to make it through this tough winter,” said U.S. Representative Jack Bergman. “Working together with the Governor, business owners, and local leaders, we will continue to take every step possible to extend necessary resources and assistance to help our communities thrive through this unprecedented winter.”
“The many great businesses that depend on a winter wonderland need this chance to access relief funds,” said state Senator Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan). “Winter will be back next year, and we want these shops to be open and ready to serve the visitors who come to the UP.”
“This winter has been especially hard on our businesses that rely on snow. From ski hills to hotels and restaurants, many businesses I’ve spoken to are concerned whether they can even make it to the summer,” said state Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs). “Thank you to all who took the time to meet with us and to the Governor for working with the Small Business Administration to help make special low-interest EIDL loans available. I encourage all of our businesses to move quickly to secure this critical support.”
“The lack of snow this winter has had a profound impact on our local seasonal economies and the people who depend on them, especially in the U.P.,” said state Representative Jenn Hill (D-Marquette). “I appreciate the Governor encouraging Michigan’s small businesses to take advantage of the aid that’s available. We all want to ensure our communities remain resilient in the face of these unexpected challenges.”
“Michiganders up north know that getting through the winter means pulling together. That’s true during unusually warm winters, too,” said state Representative Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City). “This unseasonably warm winter has created unique challenges, especially for those businesses that rely on snow for a strong tourist season. So, I certainly echo Governor Whitmer’s call for small businesses to apply for SBA funds in the face of these unpredictable and difficult times.”