Executive Order 2025-8: Declaration of State of Emergency

On July 23, 2025, a strong system of severe storms produced heavy rainfall of up to four inches over a four-hour period.  This storm primarily impacted the Western Upper Peninsula, which resulted in a flash flood warning issued by the National Weather Service.  This caused widespread damage to the public infrastructure in the counties of Houghton and Ontonagon.  This damage included roadway blockages, the failure of at least one bridge, and the closure of public spaces.

Approximately four weeks after this storm system, all communities are still cleaning up and recovering from the event.  Local officials in Houghton and Ontonagon counties have taken several steps to respond to the situation, including but not limited to activating their own local response and recovery plans. Despite these efforts, local resources have proven insufficient to address the situation. State assistance and other outside resources are necessary to effectively respond to and recover from the impacts of this emergency; protect public health, safety, and property; and lessen or avert the threat of more severe and lasting harm.

Section 1 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the State of Michigan in the governor. Under the Emergency Management Act, 1976 PA 390, as amended, MCL 30.403(4), “[t]he governor shall, by executive order or proclamation, declare a state of emergency if he or she finds that an emergency has occurred or that the threat of an emergency exists.”

Therefore, acting under the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, including the Emergency Management Act, 1976 PA 390, as amended, MCL 30.401 to 30.421, I find it reasonable and necessary to order the following:

1. A state of emergency is declared for Houghton County and Ontonagon County.
2. The Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division of the Department of State Police must coordinate and maximize all state efforts and may call upon all state departments to use available resources to assist in the designated areas pursuant to the Michigan Emergency Management Plan.
3. The state of emergency is terminated at such time as the threats to public health, safety, and property caused by the emergency no longer exist, and appropriate programs have been implemented to recover from the effects of this emergency, but in no case later than September 25, 2025, unless extended as provided by the Emergency Management Act.