Moolenaar Explains What is Needed for a Federal Response to Historic Flooding in Michigan

This month, significant rainfall accompanied with rapid snowmelt led to historic flooding in communities across Michigan. In the last two weeks, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency in 41 Michigan counties including 13 counties represented by Congressman John Moolenaar. The flooding and severe storms, including a tornado in Carson City, have caused property damage, businesses shuttered, and families displaced. Moolenaar released the following statement on the federal response to this tragedy:

"The historic flooding across our state warrants a significant response. My team and I have been in constant communication with local officials regarding the impact of the flooding. I applaud the dedication of the first responders, and local governments who kept their communities safe during this situation, and are now planning long-term clean up processes," Moolenaar said.

He continued, "The state and local communities are doing everything they can to follow the process to receive a disaster declaration from FEMA to bring additional federal resources to their community. This process has caused some confusion among residents experiencing property loss because of the storm. FEMA is not the first responder when disasters like this occur. First, a governor must formally request for FEMA to make a disaster declaration before the agency can be deployed to a state. That has not happened just yet. Currently, federal agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers, the Coast Guard and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission are on the ground in our state to assist with this process. Meanwhile, the Michigan State Police is collecting reports from residents, property owners, and businesses on the damage caused by the recent weather events. These reports will help the Governor make her request and ensure it reaches the federal government's threshold for FEMA assistance."

"This is a time of crisis and need for families across our district, and it is vital that the process is understood and followed to receive federal disaster resources. I encourage every Michigan family and business owner who has been impacted to submit their report to MSP immediately so the damages can be accurately assessed. I will continue to work with local and state officials and support their efforts to ensure our communities can rebuild," He concluded.

Residents impacted by the flooding or storms can submit their damages to the Michigan State Police here.

A state of emergency was declared in Barry, Clare, Eaton, Gratiot, Lake, Manistee, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Wexford counties.