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Commissioners to make decision about dam rebuilding after Midland flood

Ryan Kaleto

A pivotal decision is expected today in the effort to rebuild mid-Michigan dams that failed in 2020.

Midland and Gladwin county commissioners are holding a joint meeting where they are expected to approve a Special Assessment District to raise money to repair the Edenville and Sanford dams.

The failure of the Edenville dam emptied Wixom Lake, creating a cascade that flooded parts of the city of Midland.

The special assessment district will raise a portion of the quarter billion dollar cost of repairing the dams and restoring the lakes.

Some property owners have objected to being assessed hundreds of dollars a year for the next thirty years.

Supporters point out that people with property on the lakes will pay more than others in the assessment district.