State Senator John Proos on Friday issued the following statement following the Berrien County Board of Commissioners action to declare a state of emergency due to flooding:
“Our emergency management officials have done and continue to do a tremendous job in the face of historic flooding that has already caused significant property damage throughout Berrien County.
“Although the St. Joseph River has crested, the extraordinary work of county, state and local employees — as well as countless neighbors volunteering to assist — will continue as the process shifts to recovery efforts and assessing the damage caused by this natural disaster.
“I will be supporting the Berrien County sheriff and the county board as they request state assistance to help impacted families and business owners recover.”
The county move on Friday opens up the possibility of state aid for flood recovery in areas affected. The city of Niles also issued a disaster declaration on Friday.
