Tornado Response Resources

Last content update: Friday, June 13, 2025

Tornado Relief Funding Available through After the Storm

Texas Township residents impacted by the May 7, 2024 tornado may now apply for financial assistance through a $200,000 state-funded relief program. The Township is partnering with After the Storm, a nonprofit disaster recovery organization, to administer these funds — with 100% of the funding going directly to recovery efforts.

Eligibility:
Residents located within the designated Recovery Zone (between W Q Ave and W R Ave, from 10th to 12th Street, including Alidor and Phiant Roads). See interactive map below.

Deadline to Apply: Wednesday, July 30, 2025

How to Apply:
Visit www.afterthestormmi.org to complete the Kalamazoo County Residential Application. Paper copies are available at the Township Office.

Need Help?
Contact After the Storm at 517-243-5522.

View Informational Flyer

Overview

On Tuesday, May 7, 2024, Texas Township was included in a State of Emergency declared in Southwest Michigan following severe storms and tornadoes. Many properties throughout the township were affected by these storm events. However, the most heavily impacted area was the Colony Woods neighborhood and surrounding properties located between West Q Avenue and West R Avenue from 10th Street to 12th Street, which were in the direct path of the tornado.

Texas Township continues to work with County leadership, regional partners, and emergency response teams to coordinate cleanup efforts and seek financial assistance for recovery efforts.

A designated Recovery Zone has been established that includes parcels located between West Q Avenue and West R Avenue, from 10^th Street to 12^th Street, as well as parcels on Alidor Road and Phiant Road. You can view an interactive map below or at Texas Township - Tornado Recovery Informational Map (Colony Woods & Surrounding Area) (arcgis.com).

Financial Updates

The Township is tracking all expenditures related to tornado recovery efforts in a separate designated Tornado Recovery Fund (299).

Available Funding Sources

Township Board: Committed up to $130,000 in funding
Kalamazoo County: Committed up to $130,000 in matching funds (reimbursable)
State of Michigan Designated Funding via Kalamazoo County: Provided $200,000 in funding to be administered on behalf of the Township by After the Storm
State Disaster Contingency Fund Grant: The Township has been awarded up to $248,342 in reimbursement funds
FEMA Disaster Funds: Not eligible - application for FEMA funding was denied on July 23

Previous Announcements/Timeline

January 2025: Controlled Burn of RCKC site for tree debris disposal
October 14: Start of Round 3 Right-of-Way Tree Debris Cleanup (Vander Veen Excavating)
August 19: Start of Round 2 Right-of-Way Tree Debris Cleanup (Vander Veen Excavating)
August 8: The Township is working with the State of Michigan to appeal the decision of FEMA to not classify the May 7th tornado as a major disaster. Please complete our online survey by August 18th. Your information will help us ensure a more complete list of actual losses.
August 6: Texas Township announces remaining cleanup dates for 2024. Vander Veen will be collecting wood debris at the curb beginning August 19 and October 14. Read the mailer for more information.
August 1: The State of Michigan Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (EMHSD) has awarded Texas Township up to $248,342 in reimbursement funds via the State Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund
July 23: FEMA denies the State's request for federal assistance
June 3-11: Vander Veen Excavating completed the first round of cleanup efforts in the designated cleanup zone.
May 31: Colony Woods & Surrounding Area Road Right-of-Way Tree Debris Cleanup Starting on Monday, June 3.
May 23: Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners allocates $130,000 in ARPA funding to Texas Township for tornado recovery and relief
May 22: Read AG Nessel's latest consumer alert following allegations of contractor price gouging during storm cleanup.
May 21: At the May 20, 2024 Township Board meeting, the Board committed $100k to the Colony Woods cleanup effort, directing Adminsitration to work with neighborhood leaders to implement a road right-of-way cleanup effort.
May 21: KLS tree and yard waste drop-off service extended through Tuesday, May 28.
May 18: The Colony Woods neighborhood group facilitated volunteer cleanup efforts with groups from LCC and The Bridge Church.
May 17: The Road Commission of Kalamazoo County has graciously opened up their gravel pit in Prairie Ronde Township on 4th Street between U Avenue and Paw Paw Lake Drive as a disposal area for tree and branch debris only. This program is limited for the residents of Colony Woods ONLY.
Read the Full Press Release
May 17: Kalamazoo Landscape Supplies (KLS) has extended yard debris drop-off through Saturday, May 18. Residents can continue to drop-off material at no charge between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM (Mon-Fri) and Saturday between 8:00 AM and 2:30 PM. We will re-evaluate this service again early Monday morning.
May 15: FEMA will be in the Colony Woods neighborhood this morning (5/15) at 9:00 AM to begin their preliminary damage assessment. There are five teams that will be covering four counties and they will be accompanied by MSP Officers. Today's assessment will begin at Swallow and 12th Street. Read the press release.
May 15: Intersection at Swallow & 12th Street was cleared by RCKC
May 13: Kalamazoo County Press Release - Emergency Management Crews Complete Preliminary Damage Assessments
May 13: The Township Board is holding a special meeting on Tuesday, May 14 at 9:00 AM to discuss storm damage and evaluate options and next steps.
May 13: Kalamazoo County Emergency Management Crews completed preliminary damage assessments, which are required by FEMA to be considered for federal assistance. Please read the County's press release regarding the results of those assessments. The Township has been notified that FEMA damage assessment personnel will be arriving in Kalamazoo County on Tuesday (5/14) and will be in the field for the remainder of the week.
May 11: Kalamazoo Landscape Supplies has extended yard debris drop-off from Monday, May 13 through Wednesday, May 15. Texas Township residents can drop-off debris between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. KLS is offering disposal at a reduce rate and the Township is subsidizing the cost of disposal for Township residents, but proof of residency will be required at the time of drop off!
May 9: Starting on Thursday, May 9, Kalamazoo County Emergency Management deployed Damage Assessment Teams throughout the County to assist with recovery from Tuesday's storms. All public roadways have been cleared and are passable.
May 9: Power has been restored to all areas of the Township.
May 8: The Texas Township Fire Department is a bottled water distribution center, courtesy of the Salvation Army. Residents in need of potable water can pick up supplies from the Fire Department.
May 7: Beginning on Tuesday, May 7, the Texas Township Fire Department has been going door-to-door to every affected residence for damage assessment and life safety concerns. All data collected has been submitted to the Kalamazoo County Emergency Management.

Resources

Kalamazoo County Emergency Management Self-Reporting Survey
Consumers Energy
Consumers Energy Outage Map
To report downed power lines, please call:
1-800-477-5050
Midwest Energy & Communications
Midwest Energy Outage Map
Road Commission of Kalamazoo County
269-381-3171
Gryphon Place - 2-1-1
Housing/Sheltering or Human Service Needs
Kalamazoo County Household Hazardous Waste Center
Disposal of Household Hazardous Chemicals & Electronics
Kalamazoo Community Foundation Urgent Relief Fund

FAQs

Is the Township coordinating a cleanup effort for trees/brush?

The Township has contracted with Vander Veen Excavating, a subcontractor for RCKC, to remove tree debris (trees, branches, stumps) located in the road right-of-way (33' from the centerline of the road). Vander Veen was selected by Kalamazoo County through a competitive bid process and has extended their pre-negotiated pricing for cleanup efforts.

A designated Cleanup Zone has been established that includes parcels located between Q Avenue and R Avenue, from 10^th Street to 12^th Street, as well as parcels on Alidor and Phiant. You can view an interactive map at Texas Township - Tornado Recovery Informational Map (Colony Woods & Surrounding Area) (arcgis.com).

We encourage households within this zone to move tree debris in their yards to the curb for collection. Please do not pile debris in the road as we want to ensure our roadways remain open for vehicular traffic and emergency services. The Township will not be removing tree debris in private yards.

Round 1 Cleanup: Completed June 3 - 11, 2024

Round 2 Cleanup: Exact Dates are Forthcoming - Anticipated in Mid-August 2024

Round 3 Cleanup: Exact Dates are Forthcoming - Anticipated in October/November 2024

If you would like to report a missed pickup or have questions or concerns, please contact info@texastownship.org.

When do I need to have my tree debris at the right-of-way?

Future right-of-way cleanup rounds are forthcoming. We do not have exact dates yet, but we anticipate the following to occur:

Round 2 Cleanup: Mid-August

Round 3 Cleanup: October/November

How is the right-of-way cleanup effort being funded?

Cleanup efforts are being funded by Township funds allocated towards recovery efforts and through County matching funds.

How will the County's allocation of funding be utilized?

Township staff continues to work with County leadership and Colony Woods neighborhood representatives on how the $130,000 of County funding will be allocated.

Will I receive any reimbursement if I privately funded right-of-way cleanup efforts at my home?

The Township continues to work with County officials, FEMA, and local agencies to understand if any financial relief will be available for households that privately funded right-of-way cleanup efforts. More information is forthcoming.

Where can I drop off tree and brush debris?

There are currently no township-funded drop-off sites for tree debris. Residents are encouraged to contact local landscaping companies to coordinate drop-off.

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