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. © 2008 ASCE.