Barrett, Frederick back Shiawassee County tornado relief approval

By Rich Peters

Sep 6, 2019

Sen. Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte) and Rep. Ben Frederick (R-Owosso) showed their overwhelming support for the recent approval of financial relief funding that will help Shiawassee County public safety agencies regroup after the two tornadoes that struck the town in March.

Senate Bill 150 will include $163,000 for documented expenses to help first responders of the surrounding 13 Shiawassee County agencies that responded to the March 14 tornadoes. The supplemental bill will be critical in helping a town that took damage to 94 homes, four businesses, 16 barns and several vehicles.

“Immediately after the devastating tornadoes, local first responders did an outstanding job protecting area families and the community came together to help those affected by the storms,” said Barrett on his official website. “When Representative Frederick and I toured the damage the next day, we saw the amazing strength and resiliency of neighbors helping neighbors. However, those efforts put a strain on local public safety budgets.”

The bill comes at an important time for the community as it will be implemented within this 2019 fiscal year before the cold seasons arrive.

“Our community rallied together and stayed strong in the face of adversity,” Frederick said. “Our first responders and law enforcement agencies led the charge, working around the clock while partnering to keep our families safe. I appreciate legislators on both sides of the aisle coming together to ensure our Shiawassee County first responders are supported.”

According to reports, relief funding for local agencies under the bill include:

• $64,630 for the Shiawassee County Road Commission;

• $6,040 for the Shiawassee County Sheriff’s Office;

• $800 for the Burns Township Fire Department;

• $1,320 for the Hazelton Township Fire Department;

• $10,510 for the Shiawassee Township Fire Department;

• $800 for the Swartz Creek Fire Department;

• $11,160 for the Venice Township Fire Department;

• $43,000 for the Vernon Township Fire Department;

• $4,640 for the Owosso Department of Public Works;

• $990 for Delhi Township Public Works;

• $1,820 for the city of Corunna;