Press Releases

It’s been a busy few weeks across the First District and in Washington, but I wanted to provide an update on the ongoing flooding and the resources available.

As you know, Governor Whitmer has declared a State of Emergency for 32 counties as the spring thaw and heavy rainfall have led to historic water levels across much of Michigan. Flooding in the First District is widespread, with nearly every county experiencing some level of impact. I’ve been on the phone nonstop with local officials - from county sheriffs to emergency managers and county commissioners. While I’m in Washington for votes this week, my team and I remain in constant contact with local leaders across the region, as well as the Governor’s office, to ensure coordination and support.

I also want to take a moment to clarify how federal assistance works, as there has been some confusion. FEMA does not automatically deploy when disasters occur. It is not a first-response agency. FEMA only becomes involved after a governor formally requests a federal disaster declaration and that request is approved. Until then, response efforts are led by local emergency managers, first responders, and state resources already on the ground - supported by certain federal partners.

Right now, agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers, FERC, and USGS are actively providing data, technical support, and resources across the state. If the situation meets federal thresholds, the governor can request FEMA assistance, which would bring additional federal support for recovery.

It’s important to understand this process. In moments like this, it’s easy to fall into partisan talking points, but what often goes unseen is the real work happening behind the scenes - constant communication, coordination, and problem-solving across all levels of government.

In times of crisis, the focus is where it should be: delivering resources, mitigating damage, and helping communities rebuild. The First District is home to some of our Nation's best first responders, and I’m incredibly grateful for the men and women working around the clock to keep our communities safe.

I look forward to getting back to the District as soon as votes conclude this week to continue supporting efforts on the ground.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if we can assist you in any way.

Respectfully,

Jack Bergman

• Visit Michigan 211 to find resources available in your area.

• Visit www.michigan.gov/cheboygandam, for up-to-date information about the response efforts, daily water level reports, news releases, resources for residents, photos and videos.

• For tips on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit www.michigan.gov/miready.

Dam Safety Updates

Dam safety engineers from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) are visiting the known most critical dams today, which includes the following locations.

• Upper Hiawatha Dam in Montmorency County
• Hillman Dam, a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulated dam in Montmorency County
• Homestead Dam, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) owned dam in Benzie County
• Union Street Dam in Grand Traverse County
• Rugg Pond Dam in Kalkaska County
• Bellaire Dam in Antrim County

Additionally, Buck’s Pond Dam, a small dam in Alcona County, failed last night, with the water flowing into Hubbard Lake. Beyond damage to the roadway over the dam, there are no anticipated safety issues.

EGLE is working with partners to monitor the status of other dams across the state ensuring all measures are taken to prevent overtopping or dam failures from occurring, while communicating with downstream communities about increased flow they may receive.

Cheboygan County Updates

• The Sturgeon River overflowed its banks causing widespread flooding.
• A levee was breached on the Little Black River Watershed. Impacted areas have been directed to evacuate.
• Michigan State Police Troopers are assisting the Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Office with evacuations and road closures.
• For Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex updates visit Michigan.gov/cheboygandam.

Many areas of Michigan are currently experiencing severe flooding as melting snow and rain have caused rivers to breach their banks. With forecasts from the National Weather Service predicting up to three inches of rain, conditions could worsen in flooded areas and result in additional areas of flooding and even flash flooding. 

Risks include: 

• Exposure to contaminants in flood water, including E. coli, heavy metals, and petrochemicals.

• Injury from floating debris.

• Power outages.

• Road washouts.

• Damage and contamination to drinking water systems.

• Mental stress from repeated storms and flood cleanup. 

“Even if people are not currently in a flooded area, conditions can change rapidly. Residents are encouraged to monitor health and safety alerts issued by their local media and local emergency response agencies as flooding can quickly create dangerous conditions,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for the State of Michigan. “Floodwater and standing waters can make you vulnerable to infectious diseases or injuries. MDHHS is providing the following guidance to help keep Michiganders healthy during flood events.” 

Flood Tips:

• Follow all emergency orders.

• Standing water can be deceiving, do not attempt to drive or walk through flooding water on the roadway. Six inches of water is enough to lose control of your vehicle.

• Floodwater could cover live, downed electrical lines or other hazards.

• For downed trees or debris blocking travel, call 9-1-1.

• For downed power lines, stay at least 25 feet away and contact your local electric provider.

• During flooding, move to higher ground, if advised, and keep emergency supplies ready (food, flashlights, water, etc.).

State Emergency Preparedness Information:

State and local agencies have published information that can help residents plan for weather-related emergencies including:  

• The Flood Safety Series,which provides practical guidance for:   
• Preparing for floods. 
• Staying safe during a flood.
• Staying safe after a flood.   
• MDHHS Michigan Prepares website,which shares a variety of preparedness resources, including guidance on How to Create Your Emergency Plan.  
• Michigan State Police’s MIREADY webpage, which contains emergency planning information, including Pet Preparedness.  
• The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s fact sheet, Protecting Your Private Water Supply in an Emergency, is a resource for well owners.

• The Michigan Department of Health Human Services (MDHHS) website offers resources that can help residents avoid carbon monoxide poisoning if they use generators during power outages.

• Michigan Public Service Commissionwebsite offers information about outage credits due to lengthy power outages.

• The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) has activated the Joint Information Center (JIC) as the source of state agency information dissemination. Find links to and sign up to receive MSP and SEOC news releases and follow Facebook and X or the latest information from the JIC. For tips on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit MIReady. 

• Residents can also stay informed by signing up for local community alerts.
  
• Some local health departments also have emergency planning information that may be more relevant to county-specific concerns.