Gov. Snyder Declares State Of Disaster Due To Flooding
LANSING (WWJ) - Gov. Rick Snyder has declared a state of disaster for 19 counties and two cities because of flooding that affected parts of Michigan.
He said this ensures that the state can provided to help local response to the flooding -- which took place April 9 through May 3.
Along with two cities -- Grand Rapids and Ionia -- the governor's declaration also covers the following counties: Baraga, Barry, Benzie, Genesee, Gogebic, Gratiot, Houghton, Ionia, Kent, Keweenaw, Marquette, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Newaygo, Ontonagon, Osceola, Ottawa and Saginaw.
"Our first responders and volunteer organizations must be commended for their tireless efforts to protect the public's safety during this flooding. This declaration makes available all the state resources that are needed to continue supporting local officials in their ongoing work to keep the public safe as the recovery efforts begin," Snyder said, in a statement. "We will be exploring all possible avenues for assistance to help affected residents and local governments recover from the severe flooding."
The governor's office says they've asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to join state and local officials later this week to assess the extent of damage to homes, businesses, public facilities and infrastructure. This process is the initial step to assist state officials in determining whether a federal declaration should be requested.
