NEGAUNEE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJMN) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer increased the number of county counties in the existing state of emergency in the Upper Peninsula during a news conference on Friday afternoon.
Alger, Baraga, Dickinson, Iron, Marquette, and Ontonagon were added to the declaration to help address issues caused by flooding in the region.
“Michigan is using every resource available to assist the UP with the effects of this flooding,” said Governor Whitmer. “I want to thank the first responders and emergency crews that jumped into action and are working tirelessly to assist communities. Today’s emergency declaration will ensure they have the resources they need to continue their work and aid in the area’s recovery.”
According to the Governor’s Office, flooding began on April 11, 2023 when numerous days of above average temperatures rapidly melted much of the snowpack in the Upper Peninsula. A state of emergency was declared last week for Gogebic and Houghton Counties.
State Senator Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan) and state Representative 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.”
“I want to thank Governor Whitmer for declaring this emergency and providing the support needed to repair these unexpected damages to our critical infrastructure,” said State Representative Jenn Hill (D-Marquette).
The effect of declaring a state of emergency allows for the use of all state resources to assist local efforts in flooding response and recovery.
