LANSING, MI— The state is giving six Upper Peninsula counties more than $5 million in relief through the Michigan Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund.
In April of 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency in Alger, Baraga, Dickinson, Iron, Houghton, Gogebic, Marquette, and Ontonagon counties. Rapid snowmelt due to warming temperatures and record precipitation lead to floodwaters that damaged roads, bridges, utilities, homes, businesses, and other infrastructure.
The flooding overwhelmed storm water and sewer systems, burst dams, caused culverts and embankments to fail, and damaged other public infrastructure, such as drinking water systems. Roadways and bridges suffered the most severe damage, with many left impassable.
Baraga, Iron, Houghton, Gogebic, Marquette, and Ontonagon counties applied for DECF funding and will share in $5.1 million.
Funding was also given to 11 downstate counties.
