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Whitmer highlights Cadillac flooding in disaster declaration request to Trump.CADILLAC — The Cadillac area stood out among the 43 counties in Gov.Gretchen Whitmer’s disaster declaration request to President Donald Trump, submitted Friday.Wexford, Missaukee, Osceola and Lake County are among the 37 counties in Whitmer’s request for Individual Assistance programs, and the 26 counties in her request for Public Assistance programs.Individual Assistance programs can help homeowners and renters affected by flooding.Public Assistance programs can reimburse municipalities and non-profit entities for flood-related response costs.Whitmer’s request will be reviewed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which will advise President Trump on whether a disaster declaration is warranted, according to the press release.The final decision rests with the president.“The severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that struck Michigan in April left a devastating impact on communities across more than half of the state, destroying and damaging homes, businesses, and roads,” Whitmer said in a press release.“While recovery efforts are underway, many residents and local governments face difficult and costly challenges.This request for a major disaster declaration will help ensure affected families and communities have access to the resources they need to recover, rebuild and move forward.” Wexford County roads and bridges were among those hit “particularly hard,” according to Whitmer’s request.Those damages totaled $1,771,814 — the second-highest in the state, behind Manistee County at $1.93 million.Cadillac had the most damage in the utility category, according to the request, at $458,131.That is likely associated with the sewer lift station failure north of Lake Cadillac, said City Manager Marcus Peccia.In total, the request placed flood-related Wexford County costs at $2,830,142.Osceola County costs totaled $1,257,552, Missaukee County costs were at $286,453, and Lake County was at $137,337.The request broke down how many homes were affected in each county.Three homes were a total loss in Wexford County with 148 affected total; 44 homes were affected in Osceola County, and six homes were affected in Missaukee County.“Major” damage occurred at 118 homes in the three counties.For flooding, that classification requires the waterline reach at least 18 inches in a conventionally built home or enters the living space of a manufactured home.Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01), whose district includes Missaukee County and northern Wexford County, said in a press release that he believes the disaster warrants federal assistance.“Communities across the First District and throughout Michigan suffered substantial damage from April’s severe storms and flooding,” Bergman said, “and local officials have done everything possible to respond and recover.” Daniel Schoenherr’s position is funded through Report for America and local fund-raising.To help continue local reporting please consider contributing to the Cadillac Area Community Foundation’s Local Journalism Fund at www.justgiving.com/cadillacareacommunityfoundation.