​Crews have been working on a pull-ahead project on Secord Dam that is being conducted prior to receiving a full construction permit.

Crews have been busy at Secord Dam. Here are some of the things they've been up to:

1. Constructing a cofferdam downstream so people can inspect the draft tube.
2. Disassembling the generator to modify the structure for the low level outlet.
3. Clearing trees to prepare the site for the restoration project.
4. Beginning initial stages of mobilization for the steel sheet pile project.

​The Tittabawassee River is back on course through the Sanford Dam, thanks to work recently completed by Fisher Contracting to construct a berm across the breach channel. This restored 100% of the flow of the Tittabawassee River through the newly constructed weir. Watch the video below for drone footage of the work. This is an important next step in preparing for dam restoration. 

Tomorrow, Tuesday, July 12th, at 12:00 PM, the Gladwin and Midland county Boards of Commissioners will jointly meet at Meridian High School (3303 N Meridian Rd, Sanford, MI). The public is welcome to attend and there will be a public comment period.

Based on the Public Sector Consultants (PSC) Report of its 2022 Survey which was published last week, of those that participated in the survey:

• 90% supported rebuilding the dams and restoring the lakes
• 75% were willing to pay some level of assessment
• Most of those who said they would be unwilling to pay an annual assessment believe that someone else should pay for the capital improvement and maintenance of the dams

Please be advised that flood debris removal on the Wixom and Sanford lakebottom lands has begun and will continue through the summer. You will see equipment and crews on the bottomlands of both lakes removing uprooted trees, loose stumps, dock parts, boat lifts, hazardous substances like gas cans, watercraft, and other man-made objects within the 100-year floodplain. Trees and stumps attached to the lake bottom will be left in place. Some mowing of vegetation on the lake bottom will be done as part of this project, but only enough to allow crews to find and remove debris.