Office of the Governor (no photo)
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *
April 4, 2025
Contact:
[email protected]
*Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist Visits 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, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist visited two northern Michigan counties to review progress as state and local officials continue to coordinate emergency response efforts. During his visit, he 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, declared an energy emergency for 14 counties in the Upper Peninsula, lifted trucking restrictions to expedite fuel and supply shipments in impacted areas, and deployed the Michigan National Guard to support response efforts.
“In these difficult times, it’s crucial we all come together to support one another”, said *Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II*. “Throughout my visit to northern Michigan, I was proud to thank our first responders for their unwavering dedication to keeping us safe, and I was grateful to meet with those who were hardest hit by the severe storms. We will continue working tirelessly until every road is cleared, every home is restored, and our community is back on its feet. Michiganders always stand tall for each other, and together, we will overcome this challenge.”
LG in Northern MI for Relief Efforts
LG in Northern MI for Relief Efforts
*Hospital Visit in Alpena County*
To start off his visit, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist visited My Michigan Medical Center to thank first responders, doctors, and other care workers who have been working tirelessly to provide lifesaving care to Michiganders. He also met with patients and families who were impacted by the storm while visiting the hospital.
*Shelter Visit in Emmet 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 42 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.
Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist visited Odawa Casino in Petoskey which is currently serving as a warming shelter. There, he met with impacted Michiganders and was able to thank first responders and volunteers who have been operating the shelter.
LG in Northern MI for Emergency Response
*Supporting Relief Efforts in Emmet County*
Local efforts have been critical in helping families across northern Michigan. Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist visited Gypsy Distillery in Petoskey which has been transporting food and other supplies to residents. There, he met with volunteers and thanked them for their efforts.
LG in Northern MI for Relief Efforts
LG in Northern MI for Relief Efforts
*Meeting with Utility Line Workers*
Utility line workers have been working around the clock in dangerous conditions to restore power to over 200,000 homes and counting. Earlier this week, Governor Whitmer deployed the Michigan National Guard who have been working around the clock to clear the roads and coordinate resources. Their efforts have supported line workers as they continue to turn the power back on for thousands of Michigan homes.
During his visit, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist met with a few utility line workers on the job to thank them for their hard work.
LG in Northern MI for Relief Efforts
LG in Northern MI for Relief Efforts
*LG in Northern MI for Relief Efforts*
*Additional Updates on Resources*
This follows activation of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) [ [link removed] ] 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:
* Utility crews continue to restore power to the impacted areas.
* The Mackinac Bridge is currently open, requiring an escort of certain 'high profile' vehicles across the Mackinac Bridge. All vehicles must exercise appropriate caution. Additional steps will be implemented if conditions change.
* The Michigan Department of Transportation is working with county road commissions to clear state trunklines and secondary roads.
* Approximately 20 shelters have been stood up in the area which are being run by the Red Cross. Residents are encouraged to dial 211 for local information.
* Food provided by Salvation Army and local food banks at shelters. Residents are encouraged to dial 211 for local information.
* 300 oxygen tanks have been delivered to Montmorency County this afternoon along with two oxygen refill stations.
* Due to demand, the oxygen is currently only available to hospital and EMS personnel, ensuring patients can receive these critical medical supplies.
* Southern Baptist, Team Rubicon and World Renew Volunteer Organizations have been mobilized to assist with clean up.
* A fuel pod is being established in Cheboygan County for health care providers and first responders.
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