Alpena County Drain Commissioner Reassures Residents About Dam Safety

Gerald Fournier says county-owned dams are in good condition and regularly inspected.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Alpena County Drain Commissioner Gerald Fournier has assured residents that the county's dams, including the recently rebuilt Beaver Lake dam and the ongoing reconstruction of the Long Lake dam, are in good shape and undergo regular inspections to comply with state regulations. Fournier noted that the state closely monitors dams due to the safety risks they pose if not properly maintained.

Why it matters

After the dam failures near Midland, Michigan in 2020, there has been increased concern among Alpena County residents about the safety and viability of local dams. Fournier's comments aim to reassure the community that the county is taking the necessary steps to ensure the dams are well-maintained and safe.

The details

Alpena County recently replaced the dam on Beaver Lake, which was built around 1939, and is currently rebuilding the Long Lake dam, which was constructed around 1970. The updates to both dams were funded through bonds. Dams in the county are inspected every three years by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), with the exception of the new Beaver Lake dam, which will not be inspected until 2028. Fournier explained that the county draws down the lakes in the fall to account for ice in the winter, and then closes the gates in the spring to bring the lake levels back up.

  • In 2025, Alpena County replaced the dam on Beaver Lake.
  • The county is currently rebuilding the Long Lake dam.
  • Dams are inspected every three years by EGLE and DNR.
  • The next inspection for the Beaver Lake dam will take place in 2028.

The players

Gerald Fournier

The Alpena County drain commissioner, responsible for overseeing the maintenance and safety of the county's dams.

Jesse Osmer

The Alpena County Administrator, who noted that the drain commissioner's job is a necessity and an emergency-type role.

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What they’re saying

“We didn't have to do Beaver Lake this year because it's brand new. Every three years it has to be inspected.”

— Gerald Fournier, Alpena County Drain Commissioner (The Alpena News)

“This is just to keep everybody's pulse down.”

— Gerald Fournier, Alpena County Drain Commissioner (The Alpena News)

“You have a lot of evaporation on Long Lake compared to Beaver Lake.”

— Gerald Fournier, Alpena County Drain Commissioner (The Alpena News)

What’s next

The next inspection for the Beaver Lake dam will take place in 2028.

The takeaway

Alpena County is proactively addressing dam safety concerns by regularly inspecting and maintaining its dams, including recently rebuilding the Beaver Lake dam and currently working on the Long Lake dam. This demonstrates the county's commitment to public safety and responsible management of its critical infrastructure.