Peters, Stabenow, Bergman Ready to Support Flood-Damaged Communities in the Upper Peninsula

U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), as well as Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI), offered support of any request by the State of Michigan for federal assistance in responding to the widespread flooding that occurred following the heavy rainfall in Houghton and Menominee Counties. On Monday, Governor Snyder declared a state of disaster in Houghton and Menominee counties to make state resources available in the response and recovery effort.

“We understand the State of Michigan and local governments in the affected counties are conducting their assessments of the widespread damage caused by the flooding, which has severely impacted roads and resulted in dozens of sinkholes in the area. Emergency declarations are in place in Houghton and Menominee Counties and the State activated the Michigan State Emergency Operations Center,” they wrote. “If the resources to assist these impacted communities in the response and recovery efforts exceed the capacity of the State and local governments, we are ready to support you in efforts to seek federal assistance.” 

If federal assistance is needed, the Governor will formally request the President approve a federal disaster declaration, which also requires FEMA to conduct a joint damage assessment of public infrastructure. If approved, federal assistance and resources to the communities and families affected could be made available through various federal sources including FEMA and the Small Business Administration. 

The full text of the letter may be found below. 

June 19, 2018

The Honorable Rick Snyder

Governor, State of Michigan

Lansing, MI 48909

Dear Governor Snyder,

We write to offer our support of recovery efforts following the heavy rainfall and flooding that occurred this weekend in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, particularly in Houghton and Menominee Counties. We commend the first responders and volunteers, as well as State and local officials for their coordinated efforts.

We understand the State of Michigan and local governments in the affected counties are conducting their assessments of the widespread damage caused by the flooding, which has severely impacted roads and resulted in dozens of sinkholes in the area. Emergency declarations are in place in Houghton and Menominee Counties and the State activated the Michigan State Emergency Operations Center. Our offices are communicating with local officials as they work with you and your team to assess the impacts on individuals and property and respond to the immediate needs of the communities affected by the flooding. If the resources to assist these impacted communities in the response and recovery efforts exceed the capacity of the State and local governments, we are ready to support you in efforts to seek federal assistance.

We are committed to doing everything we can at the federal level to support those affected by this disaster. Please reach out to our offices if we may be of assistance.