LANSING – State Representative Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard) today announced that a plan to reimburse area residents, businesses and community organizations that aided in efforts to extinguish the Sleeper Lake wildfire was approved by the House Appropriations Committee. It now heads to the Michigan House of Representatives for a full vote.
"So many people and businesses came together to help fight the Sleeper Lake wildfire, and they deserve to be reimbursed for their efforts," McDowell said. "This plan will compensate our local businesses and community organizations that donated food and supplies to support this effort. The community spirit that was displayed during this crisis serves as an inspiration to all of us."
The Sleeper Lake wildfire has consumed more than 18,000 acres in the Lake Superior State Forest since it began in
early August. McDowell on Wednesday voted for a plan that allocates
$7.5 million to the Department of Natural Resources to cover the cost of containing the Sleeper Lake wildfire, with
$5.1 million expected to come from federal funds.
"When a disaster of this magnitude hits a community, it can be devastating," McDowell said. "Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our fire crews and the many businesses that supported them, we have made it through this crisis. Now the rebuilding can begin."