Lt. Gov Gilchrist Visits Sanford to Talk Recovery, Investment in Dams

(April 11th, 2022). (Photo- Ric Antonio; WSGW) Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist pointing at Sanford Dam as work continues to restore it, the others up stream, and the rivers and lakes.

With the upcoming anniversary of the May 2020 Flood in mind, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist made a visit to Sanford on Monday.

Joined by Village leaders including Village President Dolores Porte, Sanford Strong Founder Teresa Quintana, Four Lakes Task Force President Dave Kepler, Luke Trumble with the Michigan Department of Environment Great lakes and energy Dam Safety Unit, and more; Lt. Governor Gilchrist spoke on matters ranging from recovery efforts, to repair timelines, to recently increased funding for flood and dam management.

He says the bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan includes some of the largest infrastructure investments in Michigan history, including $200 million to repair dams in Midland and Gladwin counties earmarked not only help them get back to normal, but to protect them in the future and while financially flourishing.

Also in that plan- $3 million to Midland County to create a water management plan related to flooding, $6.8 million for lake dredging and dam emergency spillway projects in Clare County, and another $40 million to address the repair, renovation, or elimination of dams statewide.

The Building Michigan Together Plan includes nearly $2 billion to address critical water infrastructure needs.

$206.8 million to repair dams in Midland and Gladwin counties,
- including $6.8 million for lake dredging and dam emergency spillway project in Clare County.
$43.2 million to address the repair, renovation, or elimination of dams statewide,
- including $15 million to Midland County, with $3 million to create a water management plan related to flooding
More than $1 billion for drinking water improvements
- including at least $325 million to replace lead service lines, including 100% of lead service lines in Benton Harbor.
- $55 million to help communities tackle toxic contaminants like PFAS.
- $43 million in assistance for small and disadvantaged communities.
$712 million for clean water initiatives to address storm and wastewater including:
- $669 million for clean water infrastructure.
- $35 million for loans to help repair failing septic systems.
- $20 million for public health risk reduction.
- $8 million to address emerging contaminants.

The plan also aims to help start dozens of new road and bridge projects, build more affordable housing, expand high-speed internet, improve state and local parks to enhance tourism, and support tens of thousands of related jobs.

Click Here for the full live-streamed discussion and visit with Lt. Governor Gilchrist.