This photo shows rushing water in the city of Houghton on Sunday. (Houghton Daily Mining Gazette photo)

LANSING – Gov. Rick Snyder today declared a state of disaster for Houghton and Menominee counties after severe weather and heavy rainfall struck both counties, resulting in widespread flooding damage, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

The declaration of disaster will allow for National Guard deployment in these counties to assist with road repairs in the affected areas.

“I appreciate the dedication of our state and local emergency response teams and volunteers who have been working diligently to protect the public health and safety of our residents affected by this severe flooding,” Snyder said in the release. “This declaration will ensure additional state resources are available so that damages can be repaired as quickly as possible.”

By declaring a “state of disaster,” the state of Michigan makes available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the disaster area as outlined in the Michigan Emergency Management Plan. Gov. Snyder’s declaration authorizes the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division to coordinate state efforts.

Communities within Houghton and Menominee counties have been severely affected by flooding, impacting hundreds of homes, businesses and public facilities and infrastructure. Public health and safety is a concern due to damaged structures and debris, contaminated flood water, increased emergency vehicle response times caused by road and bridge closures, and loss of electric power and utility services.

“My staff and I have been actively engaged with our local emergency management partners in the counties impacted by the severe storms and flooding,” said Insp. Chris Bush, assistant deputy state director of emergency management and homeland security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “We will continue to work closely with our communities to make sure they receive the resources needed to recover from this incident.”

Both counties declared a “local state of emergency” on June 17, activating local emergency response and recovery plans. By requesting a governor’s declaration, these counties and their communities have determined 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.