Governor Snyder declares states of emergency in five U.P. counties

Governor Rick Snyder has declared states of emergency in five additional Upper Peninsula counties because of winter water and sewer main damage.

Chippewa, Delta, Gogebic, Luce and Mackinac counties have been added to the governor’s declaration for Marquette County from April 17th. Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet counties in the Lower Peninsula have also been added.

The state of emergency makes sure all state resources will be provided to assist local responses to the cold temperatures and deep frost levels. It authorizes the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division to coordinate the state response. However, the declaration doesn’t guarantee state financial assistance.

The eight counties requested a declaration after determining local resources are insufficient to address the situation and state assistance is required to protect public health, safety and property to lessen or avert the threat of a crisis. The Michigan Emergency Management Act allows the director of the Michigan State Police, or someone designated by the director, to amend a declaration if the governor agrees.