State Officials Continue Emergency Declaration for Massive Sinkhole in Macomb County
Michigan extends state of emergency in Fraser as workers repair sinkhole that is 250 feet long and 100 feet wide.
Michigan lawmakers are extending an emergency declaration in Macomb County as officials there continue to grapple with the effects of a massive sinkhole.
The sinkhole erupted on 15 Mile Road in the city of Fraser on Christmas Eve.
It forced the evacuation of two-dozen homes in the area, three of which were eventually condemned.
Macomb County officials have been particularly concerned about broken water lines caused by the sinkhole, which they say could result in untreated sewage flowing into the Clinton River.
Officials estimate repairing damage caused by the sinkhole could cost more than $80 million.
Declaring the area under a state of emergency allowed the state and federal governments to provide funding for repairs.
But that designation would have expired at the end of this week.
Now the state legislature has approved extending the emergency declaration until the end of March.
