Great Lakes Wire

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency in Macomb County’s city of New Baltimore and Chesterfield Township after widespread severe weather and seven tornadoes touched down across the state last month. This is the third expansion to a state of emergency issued by the governor on August 25. The state of emergency also covers Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Monroe, and Wayne counties, and the city of South Lyon in Oakland County.

“On September 13, 2023, I am declaring a state of emergency in parts of Macomb as residents, small businesses, and communities recover from recent storms and tornadoes,” said Governor Whitmer. “This action ensures we can get resources out the door as quickly and efficiently as possible to get it into the hands of the people who need it most. Let’s keep having each other’s backs. We will get through this together.”

 On August 24, areas in lower Michigan experienced several storm fronts that brought heavy rain, strong winds, and tornadoes. As a result, communities across the state have experienced road and bridge closures; downed trees and power lines; damage to building structures, embankments, and road surfaces; overwhelmed stormwater and sewer systems; and deposits of silt and debris. Hundreds of homeowners have also reported residential flooding.

 “We are thankful that the Governor has recognized the coordinated efforts of Macomb County with certifying our request for an emergency declaration,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “The effective response of our Emergency Management team and our local partners in Chesterfield Township and the City of New Baltimore has ensured that needs of residents and businesses will remain a priority.”

 “I applaud Gov. Whitmer for the disaster declaration for Chesterfield Township and New Baltimore,” said Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller. “I also commend Chesterfield Township Supervisor Brad Kersten for getting the word out to flooding victims to document their losses and expenses so that the township could make its case for the declaration and for working with the Macomb County Emergency Management Department, under the direction of County Executive Mark Hackel, to achieve this important step.”

"Many residents have reached out to our office regarding the damage they experienced from these storms," said state Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores). “I am thankful to the Governor and Michigan State Police for their assistance with this emergency declaration. This is a critical step to providing residents the support they need as cleanup and rebuilding continues."

 The declaration of a local state of emergency activates joint emergency response and recovery plans. By requesting a governor’s declaration, these jurisdictions have 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. By declaring a state of emergency, Governor Whitmer has made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the designated areas. The declaration provides that the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) will coordinate state efforts.

Governor Whitmer requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) join state and local officials to assess the extent of damage to homes and businesses in Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne counties. From September 19 through September 22, four Individual Assistance teams of federal, state, and local personnel will conduct a joint preliminary damage assessment (PDA) of areas impacted by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding. Collecting damage assessment information is an initial step to assist state officials in determining whether a Presidential disaster declaration should be requested.

Original source can be found here.