Nonprofit helping restore 4 lakes in mid-Michigan that disappeared after dam failure

SANFORD, MI – 4 dams are being restored after catastrophic failures led to 4 man-made lakes disappearing in Might 2020. The dam failures took away Sandford Lake, Wixom Lake, Secord Lake and Smallwood Lake.

4 Lakes Job Power, a nonprofit of profession scientists, engineers, and volunteers, has taken over the venture. The nonprofit states that they’re two-thirds of the best way completed with the rebuilding and refilling course of.

$200 million in state funding was allotted for the restoration venture. Along with the state funding, $150-200 was added to shoreline home-owner’s winter tax invoice.

Shoreline owners have combined reactions to the rise of their winter tax invoice. Karen Hill, a house owner stated, “I’m mad, I’m very mad. Mainly, we’re being punished for this, and it’s not my fault”.

Report says Michigan 2020 dam failures had been ‘preventable’

Some residents don’t carry the identical sentiment. “It doesn’t hassle me one bit. Whenever you stay on a lake, you’re going to should pay for it,” says Sharlyn Schoenner Corbett.

Particles elimination after the dam failure was a large activity.

“They counted over 4,100 bushes, 100 boat lifts, there have been in all probability 200 pontoon boats on the lake backside of Sanford Lake,” says Dave Rothman, a member of the 4 Lakes Job Power.

The brand new dams may have new expertise not obtainable when the earlier dams had been constructed. Watersheds are being stabilized to not solely restore the waterfront however the ecological affect as effectively.

On the present price, Secord and Smallwood dams can be restored in 2024, Sanford dam can be restored in 2025 and Edenville dam in 2026.

For upcoming conferences for the 4 Lakes Job Power, plans, and different particulars — click on right here.

Learn extra: What triggered the Edenville Dam to fail in Might of 2020? Report blames failure on ‘static liquefaction’

PHOTOS: Stunning mid-Michigan flood footage present ravaged roads, underwater homes, floating vehicles