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Ottawa County adopts disaster proclamation for May flooding to pursue aid
Summary
The Ottawa County Commission unanimously approved Resolution 26-09 declaring a local disaster emergency retroactive to May 17, 2026, to document damage from recent heavy rains and preserve eligibility for state or federal assistance for road and infrastructure repairs.
The Ottawa County Commission on a unanimous voice vote adopted Resolution 26-09, proclaiming a local disaster emergency beginning May 17, 2026, after commissioners described widespread road washouts and infrastructure damage from heavy rains.
Commissioner 3 moved to approve the resolution, saying, "So, I moved to approve the resolution 26DashO9 for a proclamation of a local disaster emergency for Ottawa County beginning on 05/17/2026." Commissioner 6 seconded the motion and the board answered in the affirmative.
The proclamation establishes an administrative finding the county can use when documenting damage and pursuing reimbursement or assistance. Commissioners said the declaration was a precaution to make sure paperwork is in place if the state or federal thresholds for assistance are met. Chair noted the county had seen sections of road washed away and that immediate paperwork helps streamline potential reimbursement and contracting for repairs.
The action followed several commissioners' reports that the recent storm system deposited multiple inches of rain in short periods, stressing that the priority was documenting damage and coordinating with township and state partners on recovery and road restoration. The commission did not adopt a deadline or sunset date in the motion; the resolution as passed lists the emergency as beginning 05/17/2026 and will remain in place until the situation stabilizes or the commission amends it.
