June 09, 2010
June 9, 2010
Declaration will make available all state resources to support local response
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today declared a state of emergency in Monroe County to help address any remaining threats to public health and safety related to the severe weather on June 6.
The declaration, outlined in Executive Order 2010-6, was requested by local officials yesterday and will ensure that all possible resources, in accordance with the Michigan Emergency Management Plan, are provided to assist local response efforts in the form of personnel, supplies, equipment, materials and monetary aid.
"This declaration paves the way to continue providing emergency resources to support the efforts of local emergency personnel working to protect Michigan citizens," said Col. Eddie L. Washington, Jr., director of the Michigan State Police and state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. "The state is dedicated to preserving the health and safety of our citizens, and we are looking into any possible state and federal funding assistance to get our communities back on their feet."
Governor Granholm's emergency declaration authorizes the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) to coordinate and maximize all state efforts in preserving and acquiring state resources focusing on public health and safety concerns in Monroe County.
The MSP/EMHSD is working with local officials to gather damage and cost information necessary to determine whether any additional state resources are needed and if the area may be eligible for federal funds of any kind.
While a state emergency declaration is a necessary step in securing state and some federal funding to cover expenses resulting from the storm, the state has already deployed resources to the area and will continue to do so as needed. State funds have not been appropriated for disaster assistance, and any monetary support from the state would require an appropriation enacted by the Legislature.
To help monitor the situation, the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) has been actively engaged since June 6, and SEOC personnel continue to work in collaboration with local, state, federal and private partners.
Following activation of the SEOC, state resources from the Michigan Departments of State Police (MSP) and Transportation (MDOT) were deployed to Monroe County to assist with addressing public health and safety concerns.
A local jurisdiction may submit a request for a state of emergency or disaster under Public Act 390 of 1976 if the situation is beyond the capability and control of local government, affecting public health and safety.
Executive Orders can be found at www.michigan.gov/gov .
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The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is responsible for coordinating state and federal resources to assist local government in response and relief activities in the event of an emergency or disaster, as well as coordinating homeland security initiatives and various federal grants.
