April 03, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2025
Contact: press@michigan.gov
Governor Whitmer Visits Otsego, Alpena, and Emmet Counties to Support Recovery Efforts in the Wake of Devastating Ice Storms
Visit follows deployment of National Guard and flurry of executive orders to rush resources to the region
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer visited three northern Michigan counties to review progress as state and local officials continue to coordinate emergency response efforts. During her visit, she met with Michiganders impacted by the ice storms and thanked first responders and volunteers for their tireless efforts to help Michiganders in need. Since Sunday, Governor Whitmer has activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), declared a state of emergency for 12 Michigan counties, lifted trucking restrictions to expedite fuel and supply shipments, and deployed the Michigan National Guard to support response efforts.
“With thousands of Michiganders still without heat, fuel, and power, we’re continuing our all-hands-on-deck approach to help folks impacted by the historic storms,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today, I met with state and local officials, first responders, and volunteers who have been working tirelessly to help Michiganders in need. We'll continue coordinating closely with local communities to clear roads, keep people safe, and help get the power back on. Michiganders are strong, and we'll get through this together."
“We are tough and resilient in northern Michigan and the eastern Upper Peninsula, but nobody can face devastation on this scale alone,” said state Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs). “We are thankful for all of the help from the Governor, the National Guard, the Michigan State Police, electric workers from around the country, and so many more. This disaster will take time to recover from – and we will need significant resources – but from what I've seen in this community, people are coming together and will get the job done.”
“I appreciate Governor Whitmer taking the time to see firsthand the damage our communities have suffered from the recent storms and hear the concerns of our local officials,” said state Senator Michele Hoitenga (R-Manton). “Her emergency declaration allowed resources to be deployed quickly to begin the critical first steps of recovery and rebuilding. There is still a long way to go, but I am committed to working with her to ensure every affected community gets the support it needs.”
“Over the past several days, I have had the opportunity to work with members of local emergency management, law enforcement, elected officials, utility providers and State Police as well as legislative colleagues and the Governor’s office, to ensure that the needs and conditions of our Northern Michigan communities are understood and addressed as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said state Rep. Parker Fairbairn (R-Harbor Springs). “While this was a once in a generation type storm, it’s clear we must take steps to improve our emergency response system and the process for disseminating essential resources.”
"The damage from this storm has been severe, but the response from our emergency crews, local volunteers, and the National Guard has been nothing short of heroic. They have worked around the clock to clear roads, restore power, and get essential supplies to those in need.” said state Representative Cam Cavitt (R-Cheyboygan). “I want to personally thank every first responder, utility worker, and member of our National Guard who has stepped up in this critical moment. We are seeing the best of our communities come together, and I know that Northern Michigan will recover stronger than ever."
“I cannot thank everyone involved in the recovery efforts enough. We have never seen a storm like this. But our Northern Michigan community is a special one and everyone banded together and did what they needed to do.” said state Rep. Ken Borton (R-Gaylord). “We’ve got first responders, tree crews, linemen, and a bunch of other folks who looked at the task at hand and asked, 'How can I help?' I appreciate what the governor and National Guard are doing to deliver the critical resources we need to keep our people safe. This storm took a lot from us, but Northern Michigan continues to prove that a little wind and ice can’t keep us down.”
“The past few days have brought unimaginable hardship for hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents, but significant progress has been made in clearing debris from roadways, restoring power and ensuring residents have essential supplies like food and water,” said Col. James F. Grady II, Director of the Michigan State Police and State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “Under the leadership of Governor Whitmer, we have the full resources of the State of Michigan at work in our State Emergency Operations Center and on the ground in impacted communities.”
"On behalf of Emmet County, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone stepping up during this challenging time,” said Chair David White, Emmet County Board of Commissioners. “From our local fire, police, and EMS teams working tirelessly around the clock, to our government officials and residents showing extraordinary patience and resilience—we are truly grateful for your contributions. Our citizens have demonstrated remarkable resilience, assisting their neighbors with kindness and selflessness, embodying the very best of community spirit. Even though power has been restored in some areas, our efforts remain focused on those still without power and resources. We are unwavering in our commitment to serve every citizen in need and ensure their safety and well-being. Together, we are making meaningful progress in clearing roads, conducting welfare checks, and overcoming obstacles. Thank you for all that you do."
Emergency Meeting in Emmet County
To start off her visit, Governor Whitmer attended an emergency meeting in Emmet County where she received progress updates on emergency response efforts in northern Michigan. Governor Whitmer was joined by state Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs) and state Representatives Parker Fairbairn (R-Harbor Springs) and Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan) during the briefing.
Shelter Visit in Otsego County
Many Michiganders have been forced to leave their homes due to a loss of heat, power, and/or fuel. In response, Governor Whitmer has been working closely with State and local officials to set up 20 shelters across northern Michigan, to make sure no one is left out in the cold. She also lifted trucking restrictions to expedite shipments of fuel and other critical supplies to impacted areas.
Governor Whitmer visited one of the shelters in Gaylord where she served food to impacted Michiganders and was able to thank first responders and volunteers who have been delivering necessary supplies and operating the shelter.
Supporting Relief Efforts in Alpena County
Local efforts have been critical in helping families across northern Michigan. Governor Whitmer visited a Meijer in Alpena that has been handing out food and supplies to impacted Michiganders. There, she joined volunteers to hand out food and supplies and thanked them for their efforts. She also met with Michiganders hit by the recent storms.
Additional Updates on Resources
This follows activation of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) Sunday, March 30 which authorizes the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) to coordinate state efforts above and beyond what MSP/EMHSD has already been doing in conjunction with local agencies, including:
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