Governor Gretchen Whitmer today declared a state of emergency for Antrim, Cheboygan, and Emmet counties in Michigan, following an extreme rainfall event on June 29 that caused widespread flooding and severe damage to roads and infrastructure. Local response capabilities were exhausted by the disaster.
“Today, I am declaring a State of Emergency for the communities of Antrim, Cheboygan, and Emmet counties, that faced severe rainfall and flooding on June 29,” said Governor Whitmer. “The state of Michigan is coordinating with the federal and local governments to deliver critical resources and financial assistance to families, local businesses, and communities as they recover.”
The declaration makes all state resources available to support local response and recovery efforts, authorizing the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) to coordinate state assistance. The June 29 event saw between 4 and 7 inches of rain fall within a few hours, leading to significant damage across the region.
Antrim County experienced ditch washouts, slope failures, and culvert damage, impacting M-66 and M-88. Cheboygan County saw severe erosion and drainage system failures near Burt Lake, with one culvert suffering complete structural failure on West Burt Lake Road. Emmet County reported severe slope failures, roadway undermining, and washouts along M-119.
Emergency repairs are underway in all affected counties, with further assessments to determine the full extent of damage and long-term repair options. The state will pursue state and federal funding, including potential reimbursement through federal highway and disaster assistance programs, based on damage assessments and eligibility.