/ Photo Courtesy:The Pioneer of Big Rapids
Mecosta County suffered severe and widespread flooding from extensive rainfall in the early morning hours.
As a result, numerous roads were washed out, culverts have been washed away, roadways are covered with water, and homes have been affected from the flooding waters.
In response to the incident, officials from Mecosta County Emergency Management, Mecosta County Road Commission, Mecosta County Sheriff's Office, Mecosta County Equalization, MECEOLA Central Dispatch, and the Mecosta County Board of Commissions, have declared a "Local State of Emergency", on April 5, 2011.
The Chief Elected Official of the Mecosta County Board of Commissioners, William Routley has determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to alleviate the suffering of people and to protect or rehabilitate property,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE CHIEF ELECTED OFFICIAL BY THE MECOSTA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 10(b) OF MICHIGAN PUBLIC ACT 390, P.A. 1976 AS AMENDED:
1. That a local state of emergency is hereby declared for Mecosta County.
2. The local state of emergency shall continue for a period of not more than seven days from the date of this declaration, April 5, 2011, unless continued or renewed by the Mecosta County Board of Commissioners.
3. This declaration of a local state of emergency shall be given prompt and general publicity and shall be filed promptly with the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, Michigan State Police Reed City Post, and the Mecosta County Clerk.
4. This declaration of a local state of emergency activates the Mecosta County Emergency Operations Plan to direct the jurisdiction's response and recovery efforts and resources so that local resources are being utilized to the fullest possible extent. This includes activation of the jurisdiction's emergency management program, for coordination and control and utilization of the National Incident Management System by relief forces.
5. That this proclamation shall take effect immediately from and after its issuance.
Roads that are currently closed are:
· M-20 between the Village of Mecosta and 9 Mile Rd. The posted emergency route is 9 Mile to 90th Ave.
· 13 Mile Rd east of 190th Ave, local residents have a route of ingress or egress
· 17 Mile Rd east of 90th Ave, local residents have a route of ingress or egress
· 190th Ave at Spruce Rd will be closed tomorrow 4/6/2011 for road repairs due to the flooding.
As a Citizen and Visitor of Mecosta County please note that before and during an incident to:
· Become prepared for Emergencies and Disasters by having an emergency supply kit stocked and ready to go
· Stay tuned to the National Weather Service for special alerts, advisories, watches, and warnings.
· If you see water over the roadway, DO NOT DRIVE OVER THE ROAD, and call MECEOLA Central Dispatch at 231-796-4811.
