June 21, 2018
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Lansing, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today instructed the Michigan State Police to amend a recent state of disaster declaration to include Gogebic County in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula after heavy rains caused widespread flooding this week.
Along with Houghton and Menominee counties, the amended disaster declaration now includes Gogebic county.
“The residents of these three counties have experienced significant hardship since last weekend’s heavy rainfall and severe flooding,” Snyder said. “We have committed all state resources to assist with the response, and we’re committed to protecting all residents while quickly rebuilding damaged infrastructure. I want to thank all of the responding state agencies, local emergency management services, local officials and volunteer services for the work they have been doing to help the impacted communities recover."
Houghton and Menominee counties declared a local state of emergency on June 17 and Gogebic County declared a local state of emergency on June 18, activating local emergency response and recovery plans. By requesting a governor’s declaration, these counties and their communities have determined local resources are insufficient to address the situation and state assistance is required to protect public health, safety and property to lessen or avert the threat of a crisis.
By declaring a state of disaster, the State of Michigan makes available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the disaster area as outlined in the Michigan Emergency Management Plan.
Gov. Rick Snyder declared a state of disaster for Houghton and Menominee counties on June 18 due to severe weather and widespread flooding, making available state aid and assistance to communities in the disaster area.
In response to the Governor’s declaration, the Michigan National Guard deployed approximately 70 soldiers and heavy equipment, including trucks, bulldozers, front-end loaders and excavators to the affected areas to assist with road repair and debris removal.
###
