(WXYZ) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has extended the state of emergency for the mid-Michigan flooding to three other counties.
According to Whitmer, Executive Order 2020-98 added Arenac, Gladwin and Saginaw counties to the state of emergency declaration already issued for Midland County.
“Thousands of residents in these communities have been impacted by the widespread damage this flooding has caused,” said Governor Whitmer. “I have declared an emergency to provide much needed assistance and have added Arenac, Gladwin, and Saginaw counties to the declaration to ensure access to critical resources. I want to thank emergency responders in the region for helping to evacuate residents. Let’s all stay safe, and take care of each other.”
About 500 people in Arenac County have been evacuated, 100 in Gladwin County and 750 in Saginaw County due to the failure of the Edenville Dam.
The state of emergency will make sure resources like law enforcement support, shelter support, road repair assistance, search and rescue support, and more are available to the impacted areas.
“My staff has been working closely with county officials in affected areas as the situation has progressed,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD). “We will continue to partner with the county to ensure they receive the needed resources to respond and recover from this incident.”
“I appreciate Governor Whitmer for making these declarations in communities that have seen widespread damage during this time,” said Sen. Jim Stamas (R-Midland). “I look forward to partnering with her as we continue to protect families in impacted areas from the effects of this crisis. We are all Michiganders first, and we must continue working to protect each other when faced with a crisis like this.”
“This news today is exactly what we needed,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Jason Wentworth (R-Clare). “I am thankful the Governor approved our request. There are still people in desperate need across Gladwin and Arenac counties, but this declaration will provide the much needed support and additional boots on the ground from the state.”
