Executive Order 2026-5: Declaration of State of Emergency

In recent weeks, the Cheboygan River Basin region has seen significant snowfall, heavy rain, and rapid snowmelt from warm temperatures. As a result, water levels behind the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex have risen sharply and are now just 18 inches below the dam's crest - the highest point of the structure. If the water continues to rise and overtops the crest, it could endanger public health, safety, and property.

In response, Cheboygan County has taken several actions, which include declaring a local state of emergency, activating disaster response operations, and issuing emergency public information. Additionally, state officials at the Department of Natural Resources and the dam's operator have coordinated to manage water releases, monitor levels, and implement other solutions. This morning, I activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) to coordinate state efforts and to help support local communities with needed safety resources. SEOC personnel are monitoring the situation and working with state and local officials, as well as private-sector partners, to address any resource needs. However, despite these efforts, further state assistance, and potential federal assistance, is required to address the threat these conditions pose to public health, safety, and property, and to lessen or avert more severe and lasting harm to the community.

Section 1 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the State of Michigan in the governor. Under the Emergency Management Act, 1976 PA 390, as amended, MCL 30.403(4), "[t]he governor shall, by executive order or proclamation, declare a state of emergency if he or she finds that an emergency has occurred or that the threat of an emergency exists."

Therefore, acting under the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, including the Emergency Management Act, 1976 PA 390, as amended, MCL 30.401 to 30.421, I find it reasonable and necessary to order the following:

1. A state of emergency is declared for Cheboygan County.
2. The Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division of the Department of State Police must coordinate and maximize all state efforts and may call upon all state departments to use available resources to assist in the designated areas pursuant to the Michigan Emergency Management Plan.
3. The state of emergency is terminated at such time as the threats to public health, safety, and property caused by the emergency no longer exist, and appropriate programs have been implemented to recover from the potential effects of this emergency, but in no case later than May 8, 2026, unless extended as provided by the Emergency Management Act.