The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has approved two Dam Management Grant Program projects totaling $350,000. These projects will help remove obsolete structures or repair functioning dams, resulting in improved fisheries, aquatic resources and public safety.The two projects funded this year are:
The city of Corunna, which was awarded $301,500 to provide assistance to fund the Corunna Dam #379 removal project located on the Shiawassee River (Shiawassee County).
The DNR Fisheries Division, which was awarded $48,500 to further fund the Big Creek Impoundment repair project (Crawford County).
This grant program was designed and launched in late 2012 to support Gov. Rick Snyder’s initiative concerning local infrastructure needs, and is funded by General Fund dollars appropriated by the Legislature for this purpose. A committee consisting of DNR and Department of Environmental Quality staff, along with local fisheries biologists and technical experts, reviewed the proposals.
“Grants awarded this year will fund projects that enhance aquatic environments and fishing opportunities in Michigan,” said Chris Freiburger, coordinator of the Dam Management Grant Program. “The funded projects will also reduce long-term infrastructure costs and improve public safety throughout the state.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the Dam Management Grant Program, including detailed descriptions of approved grant projects, should visit michigan.gov/dnr-grants.
