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News from the Keweenaw Peninsula Posted May 17, 2003 Press release © 2003 U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Menominee)

Stupak to view Marquette area flood damage

On Friday, May 16, Stupak also wrote to President Bush, advising him of the flooding, and asking for expedited attention to any requests that may be received for federal aid from Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm. Stupak also requested assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on cleanup of the upper harbor, where a significant amount of debris and materials from the flood has collected.

The extent of the damage will dictate whether the State of Michigan requests federal assistance.  Stupak promised that his office has been and remains ready to expedite any assistance in every possible way, when it is requested.

"At this point, my staff and I have been thoroughly briefed by federal and local officials. I do not expect the visible damage, horrendous as it is, to tell the whole story," Stupak said. "Once floodwaters recede completely and the responsible authorities have a chance to assess the structures damaged by the high water -- including homes, businesses, bridges, roads, culverts; and water, sewer or utility lines -- a more complete estimate of damages can be made." 

The threshold for federal disaster declarations requires that state emergency officials and the Governor determine that the public safety impact overwhelms state and local capabilities to respond. At that time, FEMA may declare an emergency or perform a Preliminary Damage Assessment. A part of the decision depends on how much of the damage is not covered by insurance for private and public facilities. Although FEMA criteria state that a $10,000,000 threshold must be met, the criteria also indicate that damage thresholds are flexible, based on population and tax base. Damage estimates are also determined partly by whether damage has curtailed access for emergency vehicles and personnel.

Citizens may contact Stupak's Washington office at (202) 225-4735 or email him at stupak@mail.house.gov. His Congressional Aide Amy Wisti may be reached in Houghton from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at (906) 482-1371.

Editor's Note: See also the Detroit News/Associated Press article, "Hundreds of Marquette residents evacuated due to rising waters."

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