Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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February 13, 2019
February 13, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Due to Effects of Winter Storm
Gov. Whitmer Declares State of Emergency for Ionia County
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today declared a state of emergency for Ionia County after the county requested state assistance to help its communities recover from the effects of the recent severe winter weather.LANSING, Mich. –
The county requested a governor’s declaration after determining 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.
“Ionia County continues to recover from the heavy impacts of this winter weather, which include severe flood damage in the city of Portland and ice storm damage in the city of Belding,” Whitmer said. “The state of Michigan is dedicated to do all it can to help the affected communities continue recovery efforts and get back on their feet.”
By declaring a state of emergency, Whitmer has made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the designated area. The declaration authorizes the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) to coordinate state efforts above and beyond what MSP/EMHSD has already been doing in conjunction with local agencies.
"The state has been providing several resources to Ionia County to help with the response to hazardous conditions and severe flooding," said Capt. Emmitt McGowan, deputy state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. "We will continue to work closely with the Ionia County Emergency Management to ensure resource needs are being met.”
Ionia County declared a local state of emergency on February 7, 2019 after an ice storm caused extensive power outages, damage in the city of Belding and an ice jam on the Grand River, which resulted in flood damage to businesses and residential housing in the city of Portland. The local declaration activates local emergency response and recovery plans.
To view the full executive order, click the link below:
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