What the State of Emergency means for Portland

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a State of Emergency for Ionia County on Wednesday night after areas like Portland experienced massive flooding.

"It was imperative. We don't have the resources to deal with an event like this," City Manager Tutt Gorman said.

Gorman said the city needed the help to get back on its feet.

"It's a great thing. We're grateful that the governor did this. This not only provides relief to the city and other municipalities throughout Ionia County, but it also lays the procedural foundation for other money to potentially be available for the private owners for their property as well."

The declaration means state resources will be available to help the Portland and its recovery efforts. It also allows Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division to help local authorities. Right now the county is still assessing and mapping the damage to see what resources are needed where.

"When you have that type of devastation to your property, it can be quite concerning. So we want to make sure we are doing everything we can to provide that relief," Gorman said.

In addition to help from the state, other local agencies are proving help to those in need too.

"Some of this is the foundation, people don't have enough food, so that's what we're here for, to give food. We're hoping to be able to reach out to all the families that were affected by the flood, especially those that are moved out of their homes and offer them a grant of some kind from the food bank," Food Bank Treasurer Bill Christian said.

The City Manager said he knows it can be a long and frustrating process, but wants residents to know they are working on the solution.

"Know that we're here. We are a close-knit community, and I have no question that Portland will persevere through this just like we have in previous events," Gorman added.

You can donate to those in need by visiting www.portlandcommunityfund.org. To help people in need directly, join the Facebook group "Portland #IceJam2019 Recovery."