NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer is in The UP today following the flooding across the peninsula. Alongside state officials, The Governor addressed the hardships Yoopers have had to face due to the weather in the past few weeks.
The governor signed an executive order to expand last week’s declaration and add six additional counties to the ongoing state of emergency. Added to the two original counties, Houghton and Gogebic, are Alger, Baraga, Dickinson, Iron, Marquette, and Ontonagon.
The governor continues to urge people to document any damages caused by the flooding and alert their local emergency management teams.
At today’s press conference Governor Whitmer and Marquette County’s Emergency Response Team echoed their support of Yoopers in need during this crisis.
“I want you to know that Michiganders across the state will have your back.” Governor Whitmer said.
The flooding has knocked out power and water to homes and business and effected roads and bridges, The Governor says emergency responders are working as fast as they can to bring relief to the affected communities in The UP
“We’ll be here for you in the best ways that we can be.” Gov. Whitmer said, “We will send resources and personnel to make sure you have what you need to be safe and to rebuild.”
State representatives Jenn Hill and Greg Markkanen were also in attendance, Along with State Senator Ed McBroom who said it’s been an all hands on deck opportunity for The UP legislators.
“Representative Markkanen, Representative Hill, and myself have been around to our various counties to see some of the damage first hand.” Senator McBroom said, “We want to help you to make sure that your get all the data reported, keeping track, taking photos, keeping a written record is so important at this point.”
The state will determine the aid given to counties based on the reported damages.
“The state roads are okay but some of our smaller county and township roads are the ones that are really going to see the damage.” Representative Hill said, “I’m looking forward to making sure our first responders and emergency crews have whatever they need to continue this work. Let’s get it done.”
This declaration will allow Michigan State Police, Emergency Management, and Homeland Security Divisions, to coordinate and maximize state efforts in conjunction with local agencies.
Their work will determine how the state puts together its request for assistance. Governor Whitmer says they are working to push through the declaration and documenting damage before designating aid to the eight counties in need.
