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DEARBORN, MI - Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) sent a letter to President Biden urging for immediate federal assistance to Michigan’s 12^th District and the many other communities impacted in the last 24 hours. Representative Dingell is urgently working to secure relief for her constituents and released the following statement:

“I am in touch with Governor Whitmer and local officials as we assess the damage in Dearborn and surrounding communities from current storms across Michigan’s 12th District and beyond. I am also working closely with senior White House officials to immediately direct aid to our communities. 

“To our 12th District constituents, rest assured my team and I are working as quickly as possible to send relief and keep you safe. As we work with the Governor to declare a state of emergency and secure critical resources, please continue listening to local officials regarding any travel and safety precautions. Additionally, please document any property damage and call 313-943-3030 to report damages and flooding. Currently, the Ford Performing Arts Center is open and will provide residents with dry ice as well as shelter.”

Please see the text of the letter to President Biden here and below.

Dear Mr. President:

This letter is being urgently sent after cities across the 12th Congressional District and Southeast Michigan experienced heavy rainfalls overnight and into Saturday morning that has led to severe flooding and massive power outages. On behalf of my constituents, as well as our local and state officials responding to this unexpected emergency, we urge you to mobilize and direct all federal emergency aid and resources available to help us protect the life and property of our residents during this disaster.

In the span of 12 hours, cities from Ann Arbor to Dearborn, and beyond, have been hit with massive, heavy rainfall totaling between 4.5 to 6.5 inches that resulted in crippling flooding. More rainfall is forecasted every day until Sunday of next week and a flood watch will remain in effect at least through this Sunday. Additionally, the rain has already knocked out power for over 46,000 homes across Southeast Michigan.

Our local officials and first responders have moved swiftly to provide emergency services and Governor Gretchen Whitmer will soon be declaring a state of emergency for this region to help the communities impacted, but further assistance from the federal government is required.

Thank you in advance for your attention to this urgent matter and any available federal assistance your administration is able to provide to our communities during this time of need.

Sincerely,
Debbie Dingell
Member of Congress

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