The Berrien County Board of Commissioners on Friday declared a Local State of Emergency due to the flooding this week. Berrien County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Robert Boyce tells WSJM News the declaration is the first step in getting either state or federal aid to clean up. The move enables the county to pursue assistance from the state when it comes to flood cleanup.
“It’ll be up to the governor to decide if he wants to send us resources to assist in our recovery, or he may also declare a state of emergency for the state and forward it on to federal authorities,” Boyce said. “A lot will be based on how many other counties and municipalities in the state were affected.”
The city of Niles also declared a state of emergency Friday. That helps to get the ball rolling for possible federal assistance. Niles city leaders tell us the initial assessment shows 46 homes and nine commercial structures have suffered significant damage. On Monday, city and county staff will begin a property loss assessment.
Below is the full county disaster declaration:
