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Whitmer expands state of emergency to Marquette, Iron counties

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Flooding at Peter Nordeen Park in Gwinn has resulted in its temporary closure. (Photos courtesy of Alan Cook, Forsyth Forward)

MARQUETTE — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has released a statement declaring a state of emergency in Marquette and Iron counties due to flooding. This brings the total number of Michigan counties declared to be under a state of emergency to 40; nearly half of all counties in Michigan.

“Today, I’m adding two additional counties to recent emergency declarations. This will help Marquette and Iron counties with ongoing recovery efforts,” said

Whitmer in the statement. “As water levels across Michigan stabilize and drop, my administration will continue to work with local communities to get them what they need. I want to thank every first responder who stepped up to protect Michiganders and their property. Let’s keep working together to recover and repair the damage.” 

Both Marquette and Iron Counties have experienced severe flooding due to warm temperatures and rain falling onto an abnormally high snowpack. Forsyth Township/Gwinn in particular has been hit hard by flooding in Marquette County, with several roads closed, including Willow St in Gwinn and Southgate Dr between M35 and Iron St. Peter Nordeen Park is closed due to being almost completely underwater, and an emergency shelter opened at the Forsyth Township Clubhouse.

Declaring a state of emergency allows eligible communities to seek financial assistance under Section 19 of Michigan’s Emergency Management Act, Public Act 390 of 1976, as amended. The funding helps local governments cover emergency response costs and repair public infrastructure damaged by the storms. 

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.

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