Press release

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer expanded state of emergency declarations to Alger, Baraga, Dickinson, Iron, Marquette and Ontonagon counties to help address the impacts of widespread flooding caused by melting snow due to warming temperatures.

“Michigan is using every resource available to assist the UP with the effects of this flooding,” said Whitmer. “I want to thank the first responders and emergency crews that jumped into action and are working tirelessly to assist communities. (This) emergency declaration will ensure they have the resources they need to continue their work and aid in the area’s recovery.”

Beginning on April 11, the Upper Peninsula experienced widespread flooding due to melting of the snowpack caused by warming weather. Impacted counties have faced severe conditions and sustained serious damage caused by widespread flooding. Damages include overwhelmed sewer and stormwater systems, burst earthen dams, culvert and embankment failures, silt and debris deposits, and road washouts and closures caused by the accelerated thaw. In response to this situation, the governor declared a state of emergency for Gogebic and Houghton counties last week.

State Sen. Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan) and state Rep. Greg Markkanen (R-Hancock) provided a joint statement:

“We are grateful for the quick turnaround upon these local emergency declarations and needs. The MSP has been working diligently to help all our local officials and citizens. Our offices are ready to provide any assistance and work for the support we will need to repair and rebuild after the water recedes.”

Local officials in these impacted counties have activated local emergency response and recovery plans and used local resources to respond to this flooding. Given the conditions and the damage caused, local resources are insufficient to address the situation, and state assistance is required to effectively respond to, and recover from, the impacts of this flooding.

By declaring a state of emergency, Whitmer has made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the designated areas. The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division have been and will continue to coordinate state response and recovery efforts. Whitmer has also activated the State Emergency Operations Center, ensuring all state resources are available to support the local community as necessary.