FLTF Faces Challenges in Competing for Federal Funds

It's with some irony that shortly after the U.S. Army Corps denied a loan to FLTF, Bridge reported that more than $770 million in federal funding under the USACE CWIFP could be directed to hydropower dams in Michigan owned by Consumers Energy, fueling speculation that the company may keep at least some of the aging structures intact. The article states, “Consumers officials said while they intend to apply for the funding, they are still mulling whether to keep, sell, or dismantle the dams.”

Federal financing for dam safety is available for some non-federal dams, including Consumers, but when the Four Lakes dams need repair and upgrades to restore the environment, they're not considered. Why is that?

Edenville Dam in the Four Lakes system was non-compliant under a private owner, with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversight, for years before its failure. The best alternative for Four Lakes was to pursue a restoration project without hydropower. Yet, the federal government's complex rules and legislation across multiple agencies create a situation where we are granted permits for the dams, but limited in opportunities to even ask for federal grants or financing support.

FLTF has long advocated for federal agencies to include criteria that allow financing of infrastructure projects to transition from federally regulated privately owned dams, that are not sustainable, to publicly owned dams that support the economy, quality of life and environment in the region as a result of the lakes. There are over 90,000 dams in the U.S. Army Corps database. We agree that many dams can be removed, but there are also many dams, like the Four Lakes dams, that create lakes that preserve
property values and provide an environmentally sustainable alternative.

The government shouldn't focus on removing dams as the primary option for environmental restoration. They should also recognize that a federally regulated system was unable to control a non-compliant private owner in this extraordinary circumstance. FLTF should be allowed to compete for federal funds and financing - especially after conducting extensive environmental studies and assessments that demonstrate the lake system is a sustainable alternative for this region.

While we continue advocating this subject and seeking financial support to lower the burden on property owners, is it too much to ask that we at least get a box to check on a grant and loan form from federal agencies so we can apply?

​Dave Kepler
President and Chairperson
Four Lakes Task Force, the Delegated Authority of Gladwin and Midland Counties