Fraser Sinkhole: Gov. Rick Snyder Declares State Of Emergency In Macomb County

LANSING, MI — Gov. Rick Snyder has declared a state of emergency in Macomb County, according to a press release. Snyder's announcement comes on the heels of Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel issuing a state of emergency in Macomb County on Jan. 5, in light of the recent colossal sewer break in Fraser. The impacted sewer services roughly 150,000 homes and half a million residents.

“The terrible situation in Fraser has displaced families and caused a burden to those living in the area,” Snyder said in a statement. “The state is committed to using all of its resources and working with local partners to ensure this community recovers and residents return to a sense of normalcy. I’d like to thank emergency responders and the many others who have been working hard to address this situation.”

So, what's the importance of Snyder's declaration? It now makes state resources (i.e. money and manpower) available to help Macomb County combat the disaster. Before Snyder's declaration, Macomb County was limited to managing the fiasco with local resources.

The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) are now coordinating state efforts at the sinkhole.

Patch file photo