LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has no plans to fly over West Michigan flooding zones anytime soon.
On Friday afternoon, a representative from the governor’s office told FOX 17 NEWS that there are no plans for Snyder to fly over either Grand Rapids or any other West Michigan community to inspect the current flooding conditions.
State Emergency Operations Center Activated in Response to Severe Weather in Michigan
What the state did do was activate the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) Friday in response to severe weather events in Michigan. The SEOC coordinates response and recovery efforts of state agencies.
The counties of Kent, Midland, Osceola, Ottawa and Newaygo have each declared a local state of emergency due to storms and severe flooding. A local jurisdiction declares that a “state of emergency” exists when they have sustained widespread or severe damage, injury or loss of life or property. A local declaration ensures that the response and recovery aspects of the jurisdiction’s emergency operations plan have been activated, and that local resources are being utilized to the fullest extent practicable.
There have been no requests for a state declaration at this time.
“The state is committed to ensuring all avenues for possible assistance will be available if needed,” said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, commander of the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD). “The protection of Michigan citizens is our primary concern and we will continue to work closely with local emergency managers and public safety partners to ensure everyone’s safety.”
