FEMA

FEMA has a pool of cash set aside to reimburse burial costs — even retroactively — to the families of COVID victims. But clerical challenges and slow outreach have stymied the application process.

The Post spent a year chronicling how the Federal Emergency Management Agency is struggling in its increasingly urgent mission to help America’s disaster survivors in the age of climate change and stark inequality

MIDLAND COUNTY, MI - The village of Sanford will receive $931,930 in FEMA funds to cover the cost of purchasing and demolishing 14 homes damaged by the May 2020 Edenville Dam collapse, according to a news release from FEMA. The 14 damaged homes are located in the floodplain of the Tittabawassee River and their removal will help mitigate the community’s flood vulnerability, according to the release. FEMA will cover 75% of the $1,242,573 eligible project cost, with the remaining funds coming from Sanford, according to the release. FEMA will also cover $25,000 in management costs associated with the grant. Attorney for Edenville flooding victims says state engaging in delay tactics through appeals

New FEMA program would place homeless disaster survivors in apartments instead of trailer parks and also offer more social services.

More than $44 million in federal funding has been made available to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for costs related to the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Three teams have been deployed to hospitals across the state of Michigan amid its fourth surge.

FEMA is extending the deadline for residents in Metro Detroit who still need help after this summer's massive flooding.

Sterling Guidry's home was destroyed during Hurricane Ida when a tree fell through it.

Puerto Rico residents, who are U.S. citizens, are not eligible to get the advance child tax credit payments that have lifted many children out of poverty.

On Saturday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency has granted her request to expand the Major Disaster Declaration to include households in Macomb and Oakland counties following heavy rainfall and flooding across southeast Michigan in late June. FEMA’s agreement to expand the disaster declaration follows a letter Whitmer sent to FEMA appealing a previous denial of assistance to the areas.

A Detroit homeowner has experienced flooding at least four times since the summer, yet she continues to be denied Federal Funding.

Homeowners in Wayne County (outside of Detroit) hit by flooding this summer can apply for grants to help with recovery.

FEMA announced the Sept. 13 deadline is extended to Oct. 13 to give residents extra time to seek reimbursement for damages caused by rainstorms from June 25-26. More than 40,000 applications were approved as of Wednesday, opening up $118 million in federal funds to Southeast Michigan residents. FEMA assistance includes money for rent, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. FEMA also opened six locations in Wayne County where residents can get help applying for assistance programs. FEMA representatives are urging Southeast Michigan residents to reapply for federal aid if their initial claim was denied.

FEMA announced Thursday that it will no longer require disaster survivors living on inherited land to prove they own their homes before they can get help rebuilding.

FEMA is reminding residents of Wayne County impacted by the June 25-26 severe storms and flooding that the application deadline to receive assistance is Mon

Louisiana is beginning the tough task of recovery after Hurricane Ida swept through the state's coast and caused significant damage and power outages.

A movement is growing in Hamburg Township to protect homeowners from flooding damage.

Photo: Imad Mohamad/The Arab American NewsFederal disaster experts are hosting a workshop on property damage mitigation and recovery after last June’s floods in Dearborn. In addition, residents can learn mitigation techniques in order to protect their homes or businesses in the event of future disasters. Corps of Engineers Emergency Management, the Small Business Association, the National Flood Insurance Program, the Economic Development Administration and more. Workshop attendees are encouraged to wear face masks and to practice social distancing. Extra masks and hand sanitizer will be available at the sign-in table upon arrival.

More than 619,000 people have died in the U.S. from COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University.

More than 619,000 people have died in the U.S. from COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are conducting a nationwide emergency alert system test this week.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are conducting a nationwide emergency alert system test this week.

FEMA is raising rates for homeowners who live closer to sources of flooding.

FEMA is raising rates for homeowners who live closer to sources of flooding.

DETROIT, MI -- A letter of denial doesn’t necessarily dash your chances of receiving disaster relief funds -- FEMA representatives are urging Southeast Michigan residents to try, try again. “Denial letters are just the beginning of the conversation.”Metro Detroit residents still remember the last time FEMA rolled into town, and that experience is coloring their decision to seek aid. Minyetta Nelson, a lifelong Detroiter and talk radio personality, feels burned since FEMA denied her last flood damage claim in 2014. Rippy isn’t sure why FEMA denied his claim, and he’s not enthused about taking out a loan. READ MORE ON MLIVE:Time is running out to apply for FEMA disaster relief for Michigan floodsWaiting for a basement bailout?

A van sits half-submerged in water after sever rainstorm caused massive flooding in Dearborn, June 26. Photo: Imad Mohamad/The Arab American NewsDEARBORN – Residents who experienced flooding or sewer backups in their homes during the June 25-26 storms are asked to fill out a flood/ sewer backup damage and estimated losses report form to the city by Monday, Aug. 9. Those without Internet access or who have questions can contact the Dearborn Flood Response Call Center at (313) 586-3181. The August 9 deadline is dictated by state law, which gives property owners 45 days to report damage after a flooding event. By submitting the form within 45 days of the event, property owners have met the legal requirement for notifying the city of their damages.

FEMA and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan are teaming up to make sure victims of the floods last month and in June know there’s help and how to get it.

CVS Health has stopped offering J&J's single-dose Covid-19 in its pharmacies but will continue to make the shots available at certain MinuteClinic locations.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will give residents step-by-step directions on how to apply for flood relief.

THE GROSSE POINTES AND HARPER WOODS — For those impacted by the June 25-26 rain event, a Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Document Center is

FEMA opened disaster recovery centers in both Dearborn and Dearborn Heights to help residents impacted by the June floods.

FEMA Coordinating Officer Scott Burgess urged Southeast Michigan residents to contact federal officials during a virtual town hall last week. Representatives from FEMA, SBA, Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, and other state agencies will be present. From that record your eligibility for disaster assistance will be determined. If you suspect someone is committing fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or your local police department. Homes and roadways in Southeast Michigan flooded at least two more times since the deluge in late June.

Additionally, this preliminary information was needed for the city to alert FEMA to the extent of the damage, and to assist in requesting a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration. However, the city does not forward an individual’s household information to FEMA. The deadline to apply for financial relief with FEMA is Monday, Sept. 13. Homeowners, businesses, renters, and non-profit organizations can also apply for low-interest disaster assistance loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA representatives will also be present at FEMA’s DRC in the Henry Ford Centennial Library.

A month after the historic flooding in Metro Detroit new FEMA centers have opened in Garden City, Detroit and Dearborn.

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell will be hosting a virtual town hall to discuss resources for residents impacted by the June flooding.

FEMA officials are going door-to-door in Detroit to make sure people can access the federal help they’re entitled to after severe flooding impacted the area.

For the people living in the city of Dearborn Heights, it feels like a wound is re-opened every time it rains.

On Friday, the organization announced that those with uninsured or underinsured home damage can register for assistance

President Joe Biden has issued a presidential disaster declaration for Wayne County following the storms that devastated the area in late June.

Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are set to assess flood damage in Wayne County on Thursday, nearly two weeks after heavy rain caused serious flooding issues across the region.

Here's what's coming up on Local 4 News at 5.

DETROIT, MI -- State and federal officials are visiting homes damaged by historic flooding in Wayne County to gauge whether Michigan qualifies for disaster relief funds. Teams of assessors from FEMA, the Michigan State Police, U.S. Small Business Administration and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s office started canvassing neighborhoods throughout the county Thursday. Detroit’s flood emergency call center documented around 80,000 complaints, though officials said the number of impacted homes is likely higher. Wheeler said Detroit city officials have long known about the threat flooding poses to his community, and he’s frustrated that the situation has recurred every few years. Whitmer approves state of emergency orders for Washtenaw, Ionia, Huron countiesMichigan Attorney General warns of tow companies, contractors taking advantage of flood damage

Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are set to assess flood damage in Wayne County on Thursday, nearly two weeks after heavy rain caused serious flooding issues across the region.

The aftermath and frustration from the recent storms affecting most of Detroit are still being felt by many, especially in District 7.

FEMA officials are heading to Wayne County to assess the flood damage that occurred in June.

The Detroit Public Library will remain closed through Labor Day due to the impact of major flooding that struck the region last weekend.

It will be a busy week in Metro Detroit as FEMA officials are set to arrive in the area to assess flood damage on Thursday, June 8.

“He told his staff that he wanted the Emergency Order done for Detroit as fast as legally possible so we can get money into the hands of our residents for reimbursements as quickly as possible,” Duggan said.

The storms from last weekend damaged roads, vehicles, homes and left debris all over Metro Detroit.

Michigan Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence took a tour Friday of the areas of Metro Detroit hit hardest by the floods.

Detroit mayor Mike Duggan discussed the city’s expanded efforts to pick up debris in front of homes and remove damaged items from flooded basements Thursday.

Vehicles lined up on Detroit’s east side Thursday for much-needed items to clean their homes after the most recent flood.

Unvaccinated counties could see increased rates of delta variant transmission.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct a joint preliminary damage assessment (PDA) and review damages and response costs due to the heavy rainfall and flooding in Wayne County.

TOWN SQUARE | Some homeowners may want to consider getting flood insurance even if their home isn’t in a flood zone.

If your basement floods like it or not you are in a race against time.

The Biden administration has provided assistance to rescue efforts through FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Following devastating flooding caused by heavy storms, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is holding a news conference Monday with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to update the public on the city’s response to the fallout.

Journalists have accused DeSantis of throttling the condo-collapse-emergency response.

Here are tonight's top stories.

Whitmer said she’s been in touch with Federal Emergency Management Agency and members of Congress, but disaster relief may not come in time as rain is expected to return to Metro Detroit.

"The people that got out are never gonna go back and live in that building, of course. And so some of them have lost everything that they had," said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Administrator testifies for congressional subcommittee seeking reforms at the agency after approval rates for disaster aid fell to an all-time low this year.

President Biden said he insists on "nothing less than readiness for all these challenges."

More than 4,400 Tennesseans have applied for FEMA's Funeral Assistance Program in its first month.

Monday will be the last day for vaccines and Ford Field as the site prepares to end its mass vaccine clinic. Clinic representatives says over 275,000 vaccines were administered and about 60,000 were unused, they will be distributed to other...

Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at 11:

Just 46% of respondents said they were at least somewhat confident in the J&J shot, compared with 69% who said the same for Pfizer and Moderna's vaccines.

FEMA will distribute Pfizer vaccine to those 16 and older at Melvindale Senior Center starting Friday.

The funding reimburses MDHHS for costs dedicated to COVID-19 vaccine scheduling support services through contracts with Google and Michigan 211.

The rate of U.S. vaccinations continued to slide in recent days as average daily case counts dropped below 60,000 on Friday for the first time since March 25.

Here is ethnicity and age data from for the COVID-19 vaccine at Ford Field in Detroit and other FEMA clinics in Michigan.

If you need a vaccine in Macomb County, try this.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will begin offering financial support for COVID-19 related funeral expenses.

Another local business is running a promotion to encourage its customers to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Atwater Brewery's "Shot and a Beer" deal offers any...

Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Chicago area and the rest of Illinois.

A Florida state agency says dam safety experts consider the risk of a possible second breach in a leaking wastewater reservoir to be “unsubstantiated.”.

DETROIT – Ford Field has vaccinated more than 13,000 people since opening Wednesday. The 13,000 vaccinated is below FEMA’s goal of 6,000 vaccinations per day, but Ford Field reported that more than 14,000 appointments were made on the first day and the vaccine rollout is expected to remain steady. READ: Ford Field mass COVID vaccination site aims to administer 355,000 vaccines over next 2 monthsAd“I found out about the program from Meijer last week,” said Crystal Lewis, who received her first dose. AdRelated: Dozens show up to Ford Field without appointments hoping to receive vaccineHere’s how to registerYou can click here to register online. READ: Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phases

SAGINAW, MI - Moratoriums placed on evictions and water shutoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic are set to expire on Wednesday, March 31. “We receive Cares Act dollars from FEMA, that has been a tremendous help.”Thankfully, the community has a lot of resources available to help with utilities and rental payments, McGregor said. First Ward can help residents with the United Way application process and make sure they have the correct documents and other requirements taken care of, McGregor said. For more information from United Way on relief resources, call 211 or www.unitedwaysaginaw.org 211 is especially helpful for those suffering from food insecurity, McGregor said. Legal Services of Eastern Michigan has an office in Saginaw and can provide free legal help to low-income families in these situations, she said.

Jennifer Lira, left, a childcare specialist in the Spring Branch Independent School District, receives a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination shot from nurse Carolyn Roy during a vaccination drive for education workers Tuesday, March 16, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)Michigan has crossed another COVID-19 vaccination milestone: 30% of residents have received at least one vaccine dose. According to MDHHS data, as of Thursday, 30.3% of Michigan residents have received at least one dose, while 17.4% are fully vaccinated. AdOn Wednesday, the state reported 637,645 total cases and 15,935 deaths. AdMichigan has reported more than 3.8 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered, as of Thursday, with 30.3% of residents having received at least one dose.

DETROIT – The mass vaccination site set up at Ford Field by FEMA has the capacity to vaccinate up to 6,000 people a day. On Thursday, there were no shows, meaning there was an excess of vaccine doses. FEMA and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services put out the word that if you could get to Ford Field by 6 p.m., they would vaccinate you -- no age restrictions applied. READ: ‘I want to live’ -- Ford Field vaccine recipients share reasons for getting COVID shotPeople hustled to get there and a line of several hundred formed quickly. “A friend got a text that they were doing COVID vaccines at Ford Field and I was just up the street, " said Michael Cunningham.

DETROIT – Thousands of COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be distributed daily at Ford Field for the next several months. Wednesday marked the official launch of the FEMA mass vaccination site, where they are expecting to distributed 5,000 vaccines daily. READ: Big day for Metro Detroit -- Mass COVID vaccination site at Ford Field officially opensDetroit resident Deborah Brown said it was deeply personal for her to have received her first vaccination shot. I’ve lost friends due to COVID.”The stories of why people are coming to the Ford Field clinic are personal for everyone. READ: Ford Field mass COVID vaccination site aims to administer 355,000 vaccines over next 2 monthsAdHere’s how to registerYou can click here to register online.

DETROIT – Officials said Tuesday’s soft opening of the COVID-19 mass vaccination site at Ford Field was a success. With the site officially opening Wednesday, officials are getting ready for everybody, including those with disabilities or limited English. “We’ve been trying to be really thoughtful when it comes to language access, and people with disabilities making sure we have enough accessible vaccine pods for people with wheelchairs,” said Michigan Lt. Gov. Read: Ford Field COVID mass vaccination site prepared to open to thousandsAround 70 vaccination pods are set up and people who received the vaccine Tuesday said it was a very quick process. More: Registration for COVID-19 vaccine at Ford Field now open -- How to registerRelated News

(CBS DETROIT) – A giant step in the fight against COVID-19 has come to downtown Detroit as the state’s first mass vaccination clinic opens to the public. Todd Sinclair of West Bloomfield received his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine Tuesday morning. “Just excited to finally get a first dose and get back to normal, more normal life in the near future,” said Sinclair. Christensen says the vaccine clinic at Ford Field is one of three mass vaccination sites in the country, and will operate seven days a week for the next eight weeks, totaling over 300,000 shots for Michiganders. Appointments are necessary and is ran by Meijer and according to Sinclair, that process was also simple and easy.

DETROIT – Local 4 is getting a look at how the plan to vaccinate Michigan residents at Ford Field is going. Michigan residents can register for the COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Ford Field in Detroit. READ: Ford Field mass COVID vaccination site aims to administer 355,000 vaccines over next 2 monthsGov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday that the Ford Field clinic will administer more than 350,000 vaccine doses in the next two months. FEMA’s representative said the Ford Field site is deeply personal to him because family members of his struggled with COVID.

READ MORE: CDC Guidance Now Allows Desks 3 Feet Apart In SchoolsWhitmer along with the Detroit Lions, Henry Ford Health, Meijer and FEMA, announced that Ford Field will soon serve as a mass vaccination site. The Ford Field site will be in addition to Michigan’s other statewide vaccine clinics. Henry Ford Health will serve as the Health system partner, while registration and scheduling will be done through Meijer. Kevin M. Sligh Sr., FEMA Region 5 Acting Regional Administrator spoke about how Southeast Michigan was chosen as a mass distribution site. The following information is from the state of Michigan press release.

Michigan’s most populous county is getting an extra boost in federal funding for its COVID-19 pandemic response efforts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced Wednesday that $36 million ($36,088,864) in federal funding has been made available to Wayne County for costs related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the federal disaster declaration of March 27, 2020. The COVID-19 relief bill also includes about $65B in funding for states. AdRelated: Biden aims for quicker shots, ‘independence from this virus’According to data compiled by NAOC, Michigan will receive a total of $1,936,889,416. Here is a breakdown of estimated funding by Michigan county -- view here.

DETROIT – After a delay in allowing people to register for a COVID-19 vaccine at Ford Field, health officials announced Monday afternoon that registration is now open. FEMA chose Ford Field in Detroit as one of 20 regional vaccination sites across the country. AdHow to register for a vaccineTo register for a vaccine at Ford Field, you can go online at clinic.meijer.com/register/CL2021, or text EndCOVID to 75049. Residents who don’t have access to the internet or need assistance can use the MDHHS COVID-19 Hotline to register. Free parking will be available at the vaccination site.

Biden administration sends FEMA to border to help care for unaccompanied migrant children The Biden administration is deploying FEMA to the southern border to help handle a surge in unaccompanied migrant children. Washington Post reporter Nick Miroff joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano with more on how the administration is responding, and the conditions teenagers are fleeing in other countries.

Biden facing pressure amid surge in migrants at border President Biden has deployed FEMA to help with the influx of migrant children at the U.S.-Mexico border. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang joined CBSN to discuss how the administration is responding.

Eye Opener: FEMA deployed to assist with influx of minors at southern border The Biden administration is deploying FEMA to assist with the mass influx of minors arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border. Also, a major winter storm is creating dangerous travel conditions across the Rockies. All that and all that matters in today's Eye Opener. Your world in 90 seconds.

More than 4,200 unaccompanied minors held in border patrol custody, FEMA deployed to assist CBS News has learned that more than 4,200 unaccompanied migrant children are being held in government custody. Because of the lack of space, due in part to COVID-19 restrictions, the children are being held in short-term facilities, some of which are designed to detain adults. The Department of Homeland Security is deploying FEMA to help address the surge of minors who have crossed the border. They will help provide food, water and basic medical care. Weijia Jiang reports.

More than 4,200 unaccompanied minors held in border patrol custody, FEMA deployed to assist CBS News has learned that more than 4,200 unaccompanied migrant children are being held in government custody. Because of the lack of space, due in part to COVID-19 restrictions, the children are being held in short-term facilities, some of which are designed to detain adults. The Department of Homeland Security is deploying FEMA to help address the surge of minors who have crossed the border. They will help provide food, water and basic medical care. Weijia Jiang reports.

DETROIT – Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) has been named the medical director for a mass vaccination site at Detroit’s Ford Field. Officials said Henry Ford will “provide onsite expertise and oversight for the vaccine administrations and medical care as well support for the site’s operations.” Other support partners include FEMA, Wayne County, City of Detroit, Ford Field, the Detroit Lions and Meijer. The health system held a similar position at the TCF Center in 2020. “Henry Ford Health System is thrilled to serve as the health system partner for this mass vaccination effort, joining our local, state and federal partners to expand vaccination opportunities, especially in our underserved communities,” said Dr. Steven Rockoff, service chief of Emergency Medicine at Henry Ford Health System. It was initially reported in February that officials from FEMA were touring Ford Field and planning to turn the home of the Detroit Lions into a vaccination site.

“I’m pleased to announce the addition of a new FEMA-supported site in Detroit,” said White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Jeff Zients. “This site, located at Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions, has the ability to administer 6,000 shots per day.”UPDATE March 15: You can now register to get vaccinated against COVID at Ford FieldREAD: FEMA to convert Ford Field into regional mass vaccination siteIt was initially reported in February that officials from FEMA were touring Ford Field and were planning to turn the home of the Detroit Lions into a massive vaccination site. “Protect lives and move Michigan and Detroit forward.”The way forward, she said, is the the vaccination site at Ford Field. I am thrilled that the recently enacted American Rescue Plan Act will deliver resources -- that I secured -- directly to the federal vaccination program at Ford Field. Having this new mass vaccination site operated by FEMA will be a significant step forward for our city and our region toward that goal.

DETROIT – The Joe Biden Administration officially announced Friday morning it will be working with state officials to build a new major Community Vaccination Center (CVC) in Detroit. With the help of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Ford Field will become the new home of a regional mass vaccination site. UPDATE March 15: You can now register to get vaccinated against COVID at Ford FieldRELATED: Here is Michigan’s updated COVID-19 vaccination schedule: Who is eligible and whenAccording to the White House Coronavirus Task Force, the CVC at Ford Field will be administering 6,000 shots daily. AdIt was initially reported in February that officials from FEMA were touring Ford Field and were planning to turn the home of the Detroit Lions into a massive vaccination site. AdFord Field’s use as a CVC will be a large part of Metro Detroit’s vaccination process.

It marked the first annual contraction for the country’s economy since 1998, when it was in the midst of a crippling financial crisis. In comparison, the federal government previously said 38% of people would receive two doses by the end of June. Still, that’s 700,000 doses on hand, when the state is getting 200,000 doses this week, rising to 223,000 next week. AdBharat Biotech has already signed an agreement with Brazil to supply 20 million doses of the vaccine by September. ___COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio’s mask mandate will continue until a “critical mass” has been reached of people who have received the coronavirus vaccine, a spokesperson for Ohio Gov.

President Joe Biden talks with a volunteer at the Houston Food Bank, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)President Joe Biden delivered live remarks from a FEMA COVID-19 vaccination facility in Houston, Texas on Friday afternoon. See: Biden surveys Texas weather damage, thanks emergency workersPresident Biden’s visit to Texas is his first visit to a major disaster site since taking office. The state of Texas is currently recovering from a catastrophic blackout that left more than 4 million customers without electricity during a deadly winter storm, leaving many of them without heat for days in subfreezing temperatures. While in Texas, Biden has met with local leaders to discuss the ongoing recovery from last week’s winter storm, and is visiting a COVID-19 health center where vaccines are being distributed.

Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at 5:Ford Field to be used as regional mass vaccination site, sources saySources have confirmed that Ford Field will be used as a regional mass vaccination site starting next month. Detroit police were quietly providing security outside of Ford Field on Monday while inside a team from FEMA got a close look.

DETROIT – Sources have confirmed that Ford Field will be used as a regional mass vaccination site starting next month. Sources in Wayne County said that FEMA has not yet defined what “regional” means. Detroit police were quietly providing security outside of Ford Field on Monday while inside a team from FEMA got a close look. FEMA wants Ford Field up and running for vaccinations by mid-March. AdWayne County Commissioner Ray Basham said FEMA is aware of how Michigan county health departments, city health departments and health systems are competing for doses.