Dam safety bill advances in Michigan Legislature

Senate Bill 947, which focuses on dam safety, was recently passed by the state House with overwhelming support. The bill represents the second half of a cross-chamber effort that responds to findings from state reports on the Edenville and Sanford dam failures in 2020. The legislation aims to beef up regulations and prepare infrastructure for heavy rains and floods.

The bill was introduced by Democrat Mallory McMorrow of Royal Oak, who highlighted the need to eliminate the definition of a 200-year storm and to recognize that extreme weather is happening more often. Republican Rep. Bill G. Schuette of Midland added an amendment to ensure local officials have resources and that regulations are duplicated between state and federal levels.

Both Schuette and McMorrow hope that the Senate will take both pieces of legislation up this week, and if they do, Schuette is confident they will pass. The bill is expected to give Michigan a stronger role in safety and help protect residents from future dam-related disasters.

Read the full story at wwmt.com.