Midland County

Five years ago this week heavy rainfall and record flooding resulted in the breeching of two privately owned dams, resulting in the evacuation of over 10,000 people in Midland County. Now, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers are conducting a study to try and prevent the next disaster.

On May 19, 2020, parts of Gladwin and Midland counties were flooded after two dams failed after days of heavy rain. The state of Michigan is being sued for damages tied to the floods.

A group of Midland and Gladwin county property owners are fighting a special assessment to pay for rebuilding dams that failed in 2020. They claim the assessment places an "unfair burden" on them.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is partnering with county officials to conduct a three-year study focusing on the Tittabawassee River Watershed and its historic flood patterns.

The three-judge panel is promising to quickly issue an opinion

The proposal must be approved by Congress during the next rounds of annual budget funding. Kildee's funding proposals come four years after a major flood that devastated parts of Midland and Gladwin counties.

According to the United Way of Midland County, 45% of the County's 3rd graders are testing below reading level.

A group of homeowners known as the Heron Cove Association who reside in the special assessment district in Midland and Gladwin counties say the judge overseeing their case has a conflict of interest.

In response to the appeal filed by Midland and Gladwin county residents last month, the Task Force said in a news release that it cannot complete the project with its remaining funds from the state.

Without the funds from the special assessment rolls, said The Four Lakes Task Force, the dam reconstruction project may end up delayed or unfinished.