Gerald Corkin, chairman, Marquette County Board of Commissioners

MARQUETTE — The Michigan State Police has provided resources for people affected by recent area flooding.

Rapid snowmelt has caused flooding and damage across central and western portions of the Upper Peninsula, it said. Water is affecting roads, bridges, utilities and other infrastructure. Businesses and homeowners are also reporting damage across the region.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency in Houghton and Gogebic counties. Marquette, Baraga and Ontonagon counties have declared local emergencies and are expected to be added to the state declaration in the coming days.

Marquette County Emergency Management indicated that the Marquette County Board of Commissioners has requested Whitmer declare a state of emergency and to authorize Section 19 funding as outlined in Public Act 390 of 1976.

In a letter to Whitmer, Board of Commissioners Chairman Gerald Corkin wrote, “The response and recovery elements of the Marquette County Emergency Operations Plan have been activated, and local resources are being utilized to the fullest possible extent.

“Despite these efforts, local resources are not sufficient to cope with the situation and conditions continue to deteriorate.”

These agencies have been activated to support response and recovery efforts in the county: the Marquette County Road Commission, Marquette County Central Dispatch, the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office, Marquette County Emergency Management, the Marquette County Emergency Operations Center, the Marquette County Resource Management Department and the Marquette County Health Department.

As local officials, emergency managers and state police are monitoring the situation, assessing damage and providing needed resources, all residents and business owners in Marquette, Baraga, Houghton, Gogebic and Ontonagon counties as well as the neighboring counties of Alger, Delta, Keweenaw, Iron, Dickinson and Menominee are asked to take photos and report any water damage, the MSP said.

“It’s important that any and all damage is reported, no matter how big or small,” Marquette County Emergency Manager Brian Hummel said in a news release. “It’s essential that we have an accurate assessment to apply for state and federal aid. We ask everyone to join together in this effort for the greater good of all our neighbors in the region.”

Reports can be made by visiting https://arcg.is/10ab1j. Residents with no internet access or who need further assistance can dial 211. Operators are ready to assist with all damage reports.

In response to recent destructive flooding across the U.P., Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reissued her recent alert to warn residents about severe weather-related scams.

Several U.P. counties are experiencing a rapid melting of snow caused by the rise in temperatures, she said in a news release. The fast-moving waters have overwhelmed stormwater systems, burst dams and caused washed-out roads. They have also resulted in failed culverts and embankments.

The conditions in these areas have created situations where some residents might experience property damage.

Nessel advises homeowners to not make rash decisions, talk with their insurance agency or company, research before hiring a home repair contractor, and get everything in writing, never pay in cash and never pay in full up front.

To file a complaint with the attorney general, contact the Consumer Protection Team, P.O. Box 30213, Lansing, MI 48909; or call 877-765-8388.

An online complaint form can be found at https://secure.ag.state.mi.us/complaints/consumer.aspx.

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.