02/22/2019
City of Portland, Michigan
Flood Update – February 22, 2019:
Over the past few days, the City has been making efforts to clear streets of substantial ice debris that has accumulated from the flooding. Water Street between Grand River Avenue and Morse Drive (DPW Road) has been cleared, but remains CLOSED (that means if you do not live there or own property, do not enter). To be clear, there is no public parking allowed at Frosty Boy or ConfluxCity parking lots. The other side of Water Street between Grand River Avenue and Bridge Street has been cleared and is open. Understand that conditions may change quickly requiring the streets to be closed with little notice.
REMAIN VIGILANT & BE PREPARED:
The City remains in direct communication with the National Weather Service (NWS) and Emergency Management Personnel. Another briefing with the Army Corp. of Engineers took place this morning and the MSP Aviation Unit is planning a third flyover next week. While the water levels have continued to generally decline and the landscape of these affected areas is beginning to look normal again, please understand that this remains a volatile situation, especially, in light of the forecast of warmer temperatures and high winds. The NWS has issued a flood advisory until Monday, February 25, 2019 at 930am. The next several days will be of concern. Emergency Services will continue to monitor water levels closely and will be prepared to respond accordingly.
A QUICK NOTE OF THANKS & GRATITUDE:
I wanted to take a moment to thank the incredible team of professionals who are working tirelessly to serve the residents of Portland during yet another state of emergency. The collaboration of City, County, State and Federal Agencies has been seamless and effective. Although I was somewhat reluctant to share the attached photo, it captures a moment during the first week of the event and a glimpse of the many players involved (Public Services, DPW, WWTP, Police, Electric, Water, Fire, Ambulance, MSP, Ionia County Sheriff, DDA). Many of our employees are deeply rooted in our community and have a vested interest in protecting it. That being said, the City is not the story, nor the reason for Portland’s perseverance – we are simply doing our jobs as should be expected. The story remains and continues to be the residents of Portland. Thank you.
Tutt Gorman
City Manager