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(Houghton, MI) – Following are the latest updates regarding the flood recovery efforts in Houghton County.
The current count for Houghton County roads stands at 103 damaged with 36 being made impassible by the flood. Work on those roads continues with County, municipal and contract crews.
MDOT continues to work on US-41, M-26 and M-203. They plan on paving the US-41 washouts between Houghton and Chassell today and eliminating the traffic signals upon completion. A request for bids will be let out for a one lane bridge on M-203 this Monday for work to be completed by the end of July. Bids will be let out in August for a permanent bridge which could take until 2019 to complete.
Lt. Nick Roberts of the Houghton Police Department reports that the following items are in great need: fans, dehumidifiers, extension cords, power strips, power washers, rubber boots, pry bars/crowbars, sump pumps, long sleeve rubber gloves, face masks, eye protection, first aid kits and individually wrapped snacks to feed volunteers. Anyone wishing to donate these items, please contact the City of Houghton at 482-1700. Anyone needing those items for flood recover work can pick them up at the Dee.
The Red Cross continues to operate a distribution center at the Calumet Coliseum which is open 24/7. They have clean-up kits, comfort kits, water, etc. They are also assisting with distributing meals to volunteers and with the damage assessment process.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has a team in the area looking at stream crossings, contaminated site clean ups, stream beds and soil erosion.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has closed and marked all local recreational trails that have been damaged. Under no circumstances may anyone access those closed trails. The DNR estimates that the cost to repair those trails will exceed twenty million dollars.
The Health Department will provide free water tests for residents with wells that were inundated with flood water. Kits are available at the Health Department office in Hancock. The Health Department also reminds everyone that all local beaches continue to be closed due to contamination from storm water runoff. They also encourage the community to be mindful regarding food safety. Additional information is available at: http://www.wupdhd.org/
Concerns about the structural damage of buildings in the area are being addressed by the office of Houghton County Building Inspector. Questions about inspections or other concerns may be directed to that office at (906) 482-2260 or by Email at Building@Houghtoncounty.net .
Damage assessment teams are wrapping up their work and will begin inputting preliminary damage numbers as all information needs to be transmitted to the State today. All local officials are reminded to transmit their damage assessment information, in spreadsheet format to houghtondareport@googlegroups.com , by noon today.
The Michigan National Guard anticipates finishing their working in Hubbell and on Old Mill Hill today and will move to Coles Creek.
Stabilization work continues at Ripley Falls where the steep terrain has limited the use of heavy equipment and requires much of the work to be done by hand.
For those who need help or would like to offer their time, they can call the Volunteer Hotline at (906) 233-6621. They may also visit the Facebook site at Houghton County Flood Volunteer. https://www.facebook.com/CopperCountryStrong2018/ Additional information may also be available from the Citizen’s Information Line at 2-1-1. Volunteers are needed!
Hubbell residents requiring assistance can call Township Supervisor Brian Cadwell at 370-5097 or Hubbell Fire Chief Jeremy Dessellier at 231-2709. The Hubbell Fire Hall also has cleaning supplies for residents who need them.
The two sites in the county that have been designated as drop-off points for storm debris and are now open. The sites are located at the former Copper Country Dairy on First Street in Dollar Bay and on Paradise Road just off Main Street between Dodgeville and Hurontown. Look for signs at both locations. These locations are only for items such as limbs, brush, bricks, blocks and gravel. Other debris including household waste, furniture, carpeting, etc. must either be disposed of by regular means of collection or by taking them to the two county transfer station locations. Normal fees will apply, however residents are advised to obtain and keep receipts as funds may be available for possible reimbursement at a later date. Call 370-2960 with any questions.
A location for disposal of hazardous materials such as oil, paint cans and contaminated items is still being planned.
The Portage Health Foundation (906) 523-5920 and the Keweenaw Community Foundation (906) 482-9673 continue to accept cash donations to help with flood relief.
