By Lisa LaPlante, Kent County
Several of the river flood warnings remain in effect for the Grand River and the Thornapple River, but the National Weather Service indicates the river levels are starting to recede. Staff from Kent County Emergency Management join several other agencies and departments who are now transitioning from monitoring to clean up and recovery.
“Preparation and advance notification gave us an upper hand during this emergency,” said Jack Stewart, Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator. “We had teams of first responders, road crews, meteorologists, hydrologists, community leaders and residents helping keep us informed throughout the process. Most people followed the suggestions or directives of community leaders, and many offered to provide assistance where needed. It is this collaboration that helps keep everyone safe throughout these incidents.”
Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) reminds everyone that they can take materials that have been damaged or destroyed due to flooding (i.e. carpets, furniture) at either the North Kent Waste and Recycling Center or South Kent Waste and Recycling Center. Rates vary based on the size of the load. DPW also accepts hazardous chemical waste through the SafeChem program. Check out http://www.reimaginetrash.org for more information on these services.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Western Michigan issued a warning this morning about potential scams involving “contractors” who go from town to town after a natural disaster and offer services. These scam artists are often unlicensed, uninsured and sometimes do only a portion of the work (if any at all). More about this can be found on the BBB website: https://www.bbb.org/western-michigan.
Kent County Parks staff are monitoring the flooding in the Parks. Most trails at Millennium Park are flooded and should be avoided. Other parks have localized flooding. Even once the waters recede, there will likely be debris and mud covering portions of the trails.
Many road closures are still in effect and could remain in place throughout the week. Kent County Road Commission continues to provide updated road closures at www.kentcountyroads.net.
Two orders remain in effect asking residents to stay away from floodwaters. The Kent County Health Department issued a “no-contact advisory” and the City of Grand Rapids has issued an order to close the Grand River within city boundaries to recreational use, including anglers and watercraft. The orders remain in effect until further notice.
KCRC Roads Closed Due to Water over Road (February 26, 2018 at 9:45 a.m., subject to change)
Whipple (Shaner to Myers Lake)
Ashley Ave (7 Mile Rd to M-44)
Joyce Dr (Cannonsburg Rd to Ramsdell Dr)
Westbound Chicago Dr on ramp to west bound I-196
Konkle (east of Jupiter)
Indian (off West River)
River Point (off Indian)
Abrigador Trail (off West River)
Abrigador Trail (off West River Center)
Willow (off 4 Mile Rd)
Willow (off Canright)
Willow (off Bailey Park)
Walnut Park (off Northland Dr)
Shady Dr (off Knapp St)
Forest Ridge (off Coit Ave)
60th St (Pratt Lake Ave to Montcalm Ave)
64th St (East of Pratt Lake Ave)
Jackson St (M-21 to Oberley Dr)
Grand River Dr (Jackson St to Montcalm Ave)
Mall (off West River Dr)
Austerlitz (off West River Dr)
Riverbend (between Butterworth and Veterans Dr) (City of Walker) Veterans Dr (between Maynard and Butterworth) (City of Walker) Indian Mounds Drive (City of Grandville)
White Street west of Wilson Avenue (City of Grandville)
White Street east of Wilson between Church and Ottawa (City of Grandville)
Division north of the RR tracks (City of Grandville)
Franklin between RR tracks and White Street (City of Grandville) Sanford north of Nardin (City of Grandville)
Busch Drive (City of Grandville)
Chicago Drive at East (Wyoming) City Limit (Outside lanes only) Broadway Avenue north of RR tracks (City of Grandville)
Chicago Drive at Rush Creek (Jenison) including I-196 ramps Wilson between Chicago Drive and M-11 (City of Grandville)
