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Early damage estimate in Houghton County set at $50M

HOUGHTON — Damage to Houghton County’s infrastructure from flash floods June 17 is estimated at $50 million, which doesn’t include damage to state roads and trails and individual homes and businesses.

A preliminary estimate was submitted to the state on the cost of damage to county and local roads, along with municipal water, sewage and drainage systems and other infrastructure, county officials said.

At least four homes were destroyed, nine are inaccessible, 70 have major damage and 151 have minor damage, assessment teams reported.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said 15 recreational trails had massive washouts and there was varying degrees of damage to more than 100 others.

As of Saturday, health officials had closed all waters in the western Upper Peninsula for recreational purposes due to contamination from storm water runoff. The health department in Houghton County is providing free water tests for residents whose wells were inundated with flood water.

More help is needed in post-flood aid and cleanup. Volunteers can register by calling 906-233-6621.

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