NEWAYGO COUNTY, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today declared a state of emergency for Newaygo County after county officials asked for state help in dealing with widespread flooding caused by a combination of rain and snowmelt.
“As Newaygo County continues to deal with the effects of severe flooding, we are doing all we can to ensure the health and safety of our residents,” Whitmer said. “By signing this declaration, the state can offer even more resources to assist the county’s efforts.”
An emergency declaration makes all state resources available, in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts, to the designated area. The declaration means the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) may coordinate state efforts above and beyond what MSP/EMHSD has already been doing in with local agencies.
“Our staff have been working closely with Newaygo County officials throughout this incident,” said Capt. Emmitt McGowan, deputy state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “We will continue to partner with the county and make certain all needs are being met as the community recovers.”
On March 14, heavy rains and melting snow resulted in widespread flooding, which damaged homes, displaced residents and washed out roadways. County officials made a formal appeal on March 15, 2019, while declaring a local state of emergency, which activating local emergency response and recovery plans.
