Although local officials have received discouraging news from FEMA regarding the agency’s estimation of the damage to six counties in the U.P., they say they are going to continue on with the application process. TheDailyGlobe reports local estimation of damage came in at 30 million, however FEMA’s evaluation came in at $8 million, not even half of the $17.8 million threshold necessary to apply. Governor Whitmer ultimately determines whether an application for assistance will be submitted. Until all the information has gathered locally and submitted and then FEMA formally submits its determination, the process must be followed in order to give the damaged communities a fair chance at assistance.