Gov. Snyder discusses cleanup efforts in central Michigan after flooding

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder flew over central Michigan on Monday to survey flood damage and held a news conference to provide updates to the cleanup efforts.

“We have significant damage for both public assets and private citizens,” Snyder said.

Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI), Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette and six other state and local officials said Sunday they want Snyder to request an emergency declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Midland, Isabella and other effected counties.

Schuette says the flooding sparked by heavy rains has heavily damaged hundreds of homes, businesses, farms, roads and bridges, and federal assistance is needed to help families recover.

A state disaster declaration issued Friday for Midland and Isabella counties allows state dollars to be used in cleanup efforts.

But officials say they're concerned the cost and scope of the flood damage may require additional federal aid.

The Michigan Farm Bureau says heavy rainfall may ruin crops in central Michigan fields where growers were worried about drought earlier this spring.

More than a foot of rain has fallen within a week in parts of Isabella and Midland counties. The Thumb area of eastern Michigan also has been hit hard.

Farm Bureau field crop specialist Kate Thiel says many producers will have to make tough choices in coming days about whether to replant. Some crops are naturally hearty, such as sugar beets and corn. Others such as dry beans and soybeans are more vulnerable to excessive rain.