FEMA has said no to a disaster declaration for Southwest Michigan after four tornadoes hit the area in May.

Portage City Manager Patrick McGinnis says he was surprised by the denial.

“When you’re here in Portage and you’re looking at it every day and we still have such a long, long road ahead of us to get people back on their feet, it was a little bit stunning,” McGinnis said. “It’s important to note that the request is for individual assistance. This isn’t for assistance back to local governments.”

McGinnis hopes Governor Gretchen Whitmer appeals the denial since he says damage is in the tens of millions of dollars.

Tornadoes hit Portage, Texas Township, Pavilion Township, and the Union City area.