Albion receives $1M grant for removal design of the Albion Dam
ALBION — The city of Albion has received $1 million from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for removal design of the Albion Dam, as well as four other unregulated dam structures.
The Albion Dam is one of 16 Michigan dams receiving safety upgrade funding through EGLE's $15.3 million Dam Risk Reduction Grant Program.
“The City of Albion is thrilled to have been awarded these funds by EGLE,” Albion City Manager Haley Snyder said in a release. “This is a significant funding source to help address one of the many extensive infrastructure repairs needed in the city of Albion. A feasibility study found that removing the dams is the best solution for reducing safety hazards, restoring the waterways to their natural flows and enhancing the area for more recreational activities.”
The city-owned Albion Dam is located on the south branch of the Kalamazoo River near Victory Park. Originally constructed in 1856, the retired hydroelectric dam is the largest in Albion.
The dam has been in poor condition for several years. It was last inspected in 2021, according to EGLE. At that time, it was rated as a significant downstream hazard potential.
The city’s primary goals with the EGLE grant funding include reduction of public safety hazards, softening the shoreline while improving floodplain connectivity and conveyance, maintaining and improving recreational amenities and opportunities and restoring aquatic animal habitat passage.
“This is yet another great funding win for Albion. It’s an important step toward opening up the waterways in the city — this will improve the floodplain and help in maintaining our beautiful recreational areas,” State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) said in a release. “Importantly, it will also reduce safety hazards — that means increased public safety for the people of Albion and an all-around more protected community.”
Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Albion Dam receives $1M in safety upgrade funding from EGLE
