Muskegon Sun

After historic rainfall triggered constant flooding in Muskegon County, state Sen. Jon Bumstead (R-Newaygo) met with local officials there to develop a plan to prevent future damage.

During May, Muskegon County received nearly 4 inches of rainfall during a two-day span. The flooding swamped residences and businesses, exacerbating financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My prayers go out to the families who have been affected by the floods, as we discuss the next steps toward repairing the damage and solutions for the future,” Bumstead said on MiSenateGOP.

The senator and Muskegon leadership discussed the widespread damage in the area. He encouraged affected residents to report any damage to the Muskegon County Emergency Management.

“As we continue working to assess the damage and the first steps that need to be taken, I want to extend my appreciation to Muskegon County’s first responders,” Bumstead said on the Michigan Senate GOP’s website. “They have worked tirelessly as they monitor the situation and ensure people make it to safety.”

Muskegon County Administrator Mark Eisenbarth said that an increased number of residents filing damage reports would help the county’s pursuit for potential Federal Emergency Management Agency funding.

Most Muskegon residents are clamoring for authorities to take decisive action in response to the previous deluge.

One homeowner whose basement has been flooded for more than a year told Fox 17 that he and his neighbors have been dealing with rising waters for a couple of years.

“It's like there's got to be something growing down there, Todd Rebone told Fox 17. “You can't have that stagnant water sitting down there for that amount of time.”

The city has installed concrete barriers close to the lake, which is believed to be a major source of the flooding, in an effort to mitigate the damage.