Generating Public Awareness and Political Action to Create a Program for Michigan’s Crumbling Dams

Abstract

The tiny village of Lyons, Michigan, (population 715) owns the dilapidated remnant of a former hydroelectric dam on the Grand River, Michigan’s largest river. Various engineering consultants and state agencies have been working with Lyons for almost fifteen years—without success—to identify sources of funding needed to repair critical structural issues at the dam. Spurred by Lyons’ frustrating attempts to obtain funding assistance, a group of professionals approached the problem by raising the awareness of Michigan legislators and establishing a goal to create a statewide fund earmarked for dam repairs and removals.