BATTLE CREEK, Mich., May 23, 2023 — The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has announced 16 Michigan dams will receive safety upgrade funding through a $15.3 million risk reduction program. Included in the Dam Risk Reduction Grant Program is $1 million granted to the city of Albion for removal design of the significant-hazard, poor-condition Albion Dam, as well as four other unregulated dam structures.
“This is yet another great funding win for Albion. It’s an important step toward opening up the waterways in the city — this will improve the floodplain and help in maintaining our beautiful recreational areas,” said state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek). “Importantly, it will also reduce safety hazards — that means increased public safety for the people of Albion and an all-around more protected community.”
“The City of Albion is thrilled to have been awarded these funds by EGLE,” said Hayley Snyder, city manager of Albion. “This is a significant funding source to help address one of the many extensive infrastructure repairs needed in the city of Albion. A feasibility study found that removing the dams is the best solution for reducing safety hazards, restoring the waterways to their natural flows and enhancing the area for more recreational activities.”