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Midland Today
By the People, for the People
Midland County Backs Second Four Lakes Bond Series
Commissioners vote unanimously to support up to $95 million in financing for next phase of restoration project.
Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:49pm
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Midland County commissioners have unanimously approved a resolution to back up to $95 million in a second series of bonds for the Four Lakes restoration project. This follows the county's support for an initial $78 million bond series in 2025 to fund dam and lake work through mid-2026. The new 2026 bond series is expected to provide the remaining financing needed to complete the overall $217 million project.
Why it matters
The Four Lakes restoration effort is a critical infrastructure project to restore normal lake levels in Wixom, Sanford, Smallwood and Secord lakes after devastating dam failures in 2020. The county's bond backing helps the special assessment district secure more favorable financing terms to complete this important work.
The details
The Midland County Board of Commissioners voted 7-0 to authorize the county to back the second bond series, not to exceed $95 million, to fund the next phase of the Four Lakes restoration. The bonds will be repaid through special assessments on properties within the Four Lakes Special Assessment District. Gladwin County is expected to consider a similar resolution on March 24, and property owners have until May 5 to prepay their assessments ahead of the planned May 19 bond sale.
- The Midland County Board of Commissioners approved the resolution on March 17, 2026.
- Gladwin County is scheduled to consider a similar resolution on March 24, 2026.
- Property owners have until May 5, 2026 to prepay their assessments without interest.
- The bond sale is planned for May 19, 2026, with a June 9, 2026 closing.
The players
Midland County Board of Commissioners
The county governing body that unanimously approved the resolution to back the second bond series for the Four Lakes restoration project.
Four Lakes Task Force
The organization overseeing the Four Lakes restoration effort, which previously secured $78 million in bonds in 2025 to fund initial dam and lake work.
Four Lakes Special Assessment District
The special district that will issue the bonds, which will be repaid through assessments on properties within the district.
What’s next
Gladwin County is scheduled to consider a similar resolution to back the bond series on March 24, 2026. Property owners in the assessment district have until May 5, 2026 to prepay their assessments without interest ahead of the planned May 19, 2026 bond sale and June 9, 2026 closing.
The takeaway
The Midland County commissioners' unanimous vote to back up to $95 million in additional bonds for the Four Lakes restoration project demonstrates the community's commitment to completing this critical infrastructure effort. By securing favorable financing terms, the county is helping ensure the lakes can be restored and maintained for the long-term benefit of local residents and businesses.
