Gov. Whitmer Declares State of Emergency for Tuscola County to Assist with Response to Widespread Flooding
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2019
Gov. Whitmer Declares State of Emergency for Tuscola County to Assist with Response to Widespread Flooding
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today declared a state of emergency for Tuscola County in response to the county’s request for state assistance to address damage caused by recent flooding.
“I want to thank the emergency responders and others who have worked diligently to keep residents safe throughout this flooding incident,” said Whitmer. “This declaration will ensure the state can provide resources to Tuscola County communities to assist with recovery efforts.”
By declaring a state of emergency, Whitmer has made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the designated area. The declaration authorizes the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) to coordinate state efforts above and beyond what MSP/EMHSD has already been doing in conjunction with local agencies.
“We have remained engaged with Tuscola County officials throughout this flooding event,” said Capt. Emmitt McGowan, deputy state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “My staff and I will continue to work with the county to make sure their resource needs are being met.”
On May 25, heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding in Tuscola County, damaging infrastructure and private property. The county formally requested assistance on May 29.
The county of Tuscola declared a local state of emergency on May 28, which activates local emergency response and recovery plans. By requesting a governor’s declaration, the county has determined local resources are insufficient to address the situation and state assistance is required to protect the health, safety and property to lessen or avert the threat of a crisis.
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