Aging Dams Struggle to Meet Extreme Spring Floods as Funding Dries Up

Michigan's dam safety efforts after 2020 failures face new challenges as climate change brings more severe weather.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:03am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a flooded river valley, with a small dam structure barely visible in the distance, dwarfed by the vast, turbulent floodwaters and dramatic clouds overhead.As climate change fuels more severe spring flooding, Michigan's aging dams struggle to withstand the rising waters.Gladwin Today

Michigan has seen a dramatic decline in funding for dam safety and repairs in recent years, even as aging dams face unprecedented spring flooding driven by climate change. Despite reforms and new programs launched after devastating dam failures in 2020, the state's overall dam infrastructure remains severely underfunded, putting communities at risk.

Why it matters

The collision of aging, inadequate dams and increasingly extreme weather events fueled by climate change is creating a growing public safety crisis across Michigan. With limited funding available for dam repairs, inspections, and upgrades, many high-hazard dams are at risk of failure, which could lead to loss of life and catastrophic property damage.

The details

After the 2020 dam failures in mid-Michigan caused over $250 million in damage, the state created new programs and policies to address dam safety, including a $44 million grant fund and an emergency action fund. However, this funding has now dried up, and the state's overall budget for dam safety has been reduced to just $1.5 million. More than 15% of Michigan's high-hazard dams are in poor or unknown condition, and experts warn the state's dam infrastructure is not prepared to handle the increasing frequency and intensity of storms and flooding.

  • In May 2020, the Edenville and Sanford dams failed, causing widespread flooding.
  • In 2021, a state Dam Safety Task Force issued 86 recommendations for improving dam safety.
  • The state's $44 million Dam Risk Reduction Grant Program ended in 2023 after its final awards.
  • The state's $6 million Dam Safety Emergency Action Fund is expected to be depleted this year.
  • The state's dam safety budget was reduced to just $1.5 million in the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

The players

Gretchen Whitmer

The Governor of Michigan who convened the state's Dam Safety Task Force after the 2020 dam failures.

Evan Pratt

The chairman of the Michigan Dam Safety Task Force, who previously served as the Washtenaw County water resources commissioner.

Bill G. Schuette

A Republican state representative whose district includes areas affected by the 2020 dam failures, and who has introduced a bill to strengthen dam safety regulations.

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE)

The state agency responsible for regulating and overseeing dam safety in Michigan.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

The federal agency that regulates hydroelectric dams, including 99 in Michigan.

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What they’re saying

“The impacts of climate change are right here, right now, impacting all of Michigan. I don't recall a time where the entire state has been under a flood warning. The way that we experience climate change in this region is through water. What we are seeing now is this conglomeration of forces, including the increased volatility of the atmosphere, which is leading to increased storms and the increased runoff. We are seeing disaster after disaster around the state related to water.”

— Mike Shriberg, Professor, University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability; Director, U-M Water Center

“I would estimate that a good one-third to one-half of the 86 recommendations from the state Dam Safety Task Force were addressed administratively during 2021 and 2022. Most of the rest required legislative action. While a bill package was introduced in 2021, it went nowhere.”

— Evan Pratt, Former Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner; Chairman, Michigan Dam Safety Task Force

“I have had good conversations with my House Republican colleagues on the need for the legislation. My district and mid-Michigan are prone to legacy flooding challenges, but this is an issue across the Great Lakes State.”

— Bill G. Schuette, Michigan State Representative

What’s next

Rep. Schuette expects a hearing on his dam safety bill, House Bill 5485, in the House Natural Resources and Tourism Committee later this month. The bill aims to enact several key recommendations from the state's Dam Safety Task Force, including strengthening regulations, increasing inspections, and improving coordination between state and federal agencies.

The takeaway

Michigan's aging, underfunded dam infrastructure is increasingly at risk of failure as climate change brings more extreme weather events. Despite some reforms and new programs launched after the 2020 dam disasters, the state's overall dam safety efforts remain severely underfunded, leaving many communities vulnerable to potential catastrophic flooding.