LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Last week, flash flooding washed out roads and driveways in L’Anse and Baraga, causing significant damage. On Friday, Republican State Representative Karl Bohnak released additional information on recovery efforts after speaking to local officials, including the Baraga Road Commission.
“We’re still working through the true extent of the damages after this flooding, but thanks to hard work by local officials, we’re beginning to understand the scope of what happened,” said Bohnak. “We clearly have a lot of work ahead of us, but I know our community will band together and do what needs to be done to get things back to normal.”
Road Commission officials said repairs could cost more than a million dollars, adding that their attention has turned to assessing damages, making cost estimations, and prepping funding applications for programs and assistance requests.
As of earlier this week, three roads face long-term closures—East River Drive at Secret Creek, Beartown Road between U.S. 41 and Shippy Road, and Pequaming Road between Whirligig Road and Markman Road. Other roads damaged include Skanee Road from west of the Townline Road to the Slate River, Bayshore Road from Jentoft Road to Whirligig Road, Old 41 from U.S. 41 to Sturgeon Road, Indian Cemetery Road at Meadow Creek, Marksman Road from Zeba Road to Pequaming Road, Jurmu Road at the Creek Crossing just South of U.S. 41, Beartown Road From U.S. 41 to Shippy Road, Shippy road in its entirety, Arvon Road at various locations along its entire length, Johnson Road, Mission Road, the bridge on Bayshore Road in Baraga Township crossing Kelsey Creek, Whirligig Hill, Messner Road, Selkey Road, Cadeau Road, Wadaga Road, Sutinen Road, Payne Road, Sturgeon Road, and LaFernier Road.
Other areas are currently being evaluated for damage.
According to a press release, Bohnak has again offered support to those affected by the flooding. Anyone looking to be connected with local resources can contact his office at (517) 373-0498 or by email at KarlBohnak@house.mi.gov.
