Nineteen dams will get funding through the state’s Dam Risk Reduction Grant Program for safety upgrades to reduce the risk of dam failure in Michigan.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Dam Safety Unit announced that about $14.9 million in grants have been authorized for dam maintenance, removal, and reconstruction across the state.
Here’s how the grant funding is being allocated for the 2024-25 funding cycle:
Ypsilanti - $2.5 million
EGLE announced that $2.5 million in funding will go to the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner for the removal of the Tyler Dam and Beyer Dam on Willow Run Creek.
The Tyler Dam is connected to the Tyler Road bridge, which closed in August 2023 because of washout and deterioration.
Benefits of this project will include the following, according to EGLE:
- Improving species passage
- Stabilizing the sediments and stream channel in place
- Reducing erosion
- Improving water quality
- Improving flood conveyance and function of the county drain
Rose City - $2 million
Huron Pines will get $2 million in funding for the removal of the Sanback Dam, “a significant-hazard, unsatisfactory-condition dam on Houghton Creek,” according to EGLE.
This dam, which is a former hydropower dam, is nonfunctional and the funding will aid in the dam removal and stream restoration efforts.
Albion - $1.75 million
The city of Albion is set to receive $1.75 million for multiple dams, including the Albion Dam.
EGLE says the dams impede fish traffic, interfere with natural river function and pose safety risks to people. Removing them would reconnect miles of river and restore the habitat.
Elsie - $1,597,500
Duplain Township will receive $1,597,500 to remove the Elsie Dam on Maple River.
The dam was breached in August 2023 and continues to fail, according to EGLE.
“As a result of the failure, the township has acted to remove the remaining structure to prevent further dam failure and release of sediment downstream,” said EGLE. “Dam removal will reconnect the river and return the Maple River to its natural state, improving the ecological health and restoring the natural ecosystem.”
Baldwin - $1.5 million
The Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA) will get $1.5 million to remove the Baldwin Fish Hatchery Dam on the Baldwin River.
It no longer serves as a fish rearing station, and removing the dam will reduce risk in the area, reconnect floodplains and restore the hydrologic functions.
Clare - $1.3 million
The city of Clare will get $1.3 million for the Lake Shamrock Dam on the South Branch Tobacco River.
“The most notable concerns with the dam based on recent inspections include substantial deterioration of the concrete structure, a sagging pedestrian walkway across the spillway, seepage along the right embankment, and insufficient hydraulic capacity to comply with current regulations,” said EGLE.
Kalkaska - $1 million
CRA will get $1 million to remove the Rugg Pond Dam, which is the only impoundment located on the Rapid River in the Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed.
“The impoundment has accumulated excessive sediment, and habitat has diminished,” said EGLE. “Dam removal will eliminate aging infrastructure with identified deficiencies, manage excess sediment, and restore the river.”
Vicksburg - $900,000
The Kalamazoo County Drain Commissioner will get $900,000 in funding to replace the Sunset Lake Dam.
“Inspection reports indicate that much of the concrete in the spillway, wingwalls, pool walls, and abutments is deteriorated, and the spillway lacks sufficient capacity,” said EGLE. “The proposed project involves demolishing and replacing the primary spillway. Replacing Sunset Lake Dam will significantly reduce failure risks by bringing the dam up to modern safety standards.”
Ishpeming - $800,000
Cleveland Cliffs will get $800,000 to remove the Lake Sally Dam.
It previously stored drinking water for the city of Ishpeming, but no longer serves that purpose and is showing signs of deterioration, and EGLE says removing it will eliminate the risk of potential dam failure.
Reed City - $253,900
The Muskegon Watershed Assembly will get $253,900 for the removal of the Nartron Dam, which is the last barrier on the Hersey River.
“The dam is in a state of neglect and continues to deteriorate,” said EGLE. “Removal would reduce risk to the surrounding area and provide a significant ecological benefit to the coldwater system.”
Newaygo - $250,000
The Muskegon River Watershed Assembly will receive $250,000 for the daylighting of Penoyer Creek.
“The Rowe Manufacturing Plant impounds the confluence of Penoyer Creek with the Muskegon River, according to EGLE. ”The abandoned plant left behind an impoundment and subterranean flow of water that is unnatural and progressively undermining the remnant foundation. This project would return the stream above ground and restore natural stream function. The impoundment dam would be removed, and relocation of the stream would greatly slow the deterioration of the foundation as well as improve habitat and passage opportunities for migratory species."
Alma - $236,100
Healthy Pine River will get $236,100 to evaluate removal and management options for the State Street Dam on the Pine River.
This includes "an engineering investigation, potential dam deconstruction and stream restoration schematic designs, reservoir sediment characterization, and pre-removal monitoring to assess sediment, hydrologic, and biological impacts," according to EGLE.
Beverly Hills - $180,000
The Village of Beverly Hills will get $180,000 for a study to evaluate the poor conditions of the Erity Dam.
It will help find the benefits, risks, costs and other factors related to dam management alternatives.
Somerset - $178,500
The Hillsdale County Drain Commissioner will get $178,500 for the hazardous Lake Somerset Dam.
An inoperable draw-down bridge, eroded embankment and seepage are among the concerns.
Liberty - $120,000
Crist Investment Company will receive $120,000 for a “dam removal feasibility study” for the Liberty Dam.
“The dam has experienced failure of the center concrete pier of the primary spillway and cannot effectively pass the design storm standard,” said EGLE. “The preparation of the study will serve as a foundational phase in the larger dam removal project. The study will culminate in a comprehensive report outlining the potential benefits, risks, costs, and necessary steps for removing Liberty Dam.”
Mosherville - $120,000
The Hillsdale County Drain Commissioner will get $120,000 for the Big Mosherville Dam, which was initially designed to help regulate the water levels of Big Mosherville Lake.
There are concerns about the structure of the dam, and the drain commissioner is evaluating replacement, retrofit and removal options.
Three Rivers - $90,000
The city of Three Rivers will receive $90,000 to support a study on the poor condition of the Portage Plant Dam on the Portage River.
The benefits of removing this dam include “improving species passage, stabilizing the sediments and stream channel in place, reducing erosion, improving water quality, and removing aging dam infrastructure,” according to EGLE.
Marcellus - $65,800
The Cass County Drain Commissioner is receiving $65,800 for the removal of the McMillan Dam, which will restore stream flow, enhance aquatic habitats and reduce the risk of dam failure and poor water quality.
Coldwater - $58,200
The Branch County Drain Commission will get $58,200 to conduct a study on the Blackhawk Dam on the Coldwater River.
This dam experienced a breach in 2018 and the operator made repairs, but inspections showed seepage and potential piping under the dam.
For more information about dam management in Michigan, visit here.