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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May 26, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2020
Media Contact: Press@Michigan.gov
Governor Whitmer Expands State of Emergency to include Iosco County due to severe weather, flooding and dam failures
LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-105 adding Iosco County to the state of emergency declaration issued last week for Midland, Gladwin, Arenac, and Saginaw counties after heavy rains caused widespread flooding and resulted in the breach of Edenville and Sanford dams.
“This flooding has caused devastating damage for thousands of residents in impacted areas,” said Governor Whitmer. “I have declared an emergency to provide much needed assistance and have added Iosco county to the emergency declaration to ensure access to critical resources. I want to thank emergency responders in the region for helping to evacuate residents. Let’s all stay safe, and take care of each other.”
“My staff has been working closely with county officials in affected areas as the situation has progressed,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD). “We will continue to partner with the county to ensure they receive the needed resources to respond and recover from this incident.”
On Tuesday, May 19, heavy rainfall in Midland County led to the breach of the Edenville and Sanford Dams. Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Midland County on Tuesday, and on Wednesday at a press conference at Midland High School, she announced that officials had successfully evacuated 10,000 residents from the area, with no casualties. The governor’s declaration authorizes the MSP/EMHSD to coordinate state response and recovery efforts.
On May 21, FEMA approved Governor Whitmer’s request for a federal emergency declaration that will provide additional resources to Midland County to respond to the extreme flooding. This initial approval is limited to certain direct assistance from federal agencies to deal with immediate challenges, but could be expanded as the state and FEMA completes the damage assessment.
To view Executive Order 2020-105, click the link below:
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