Michigan Senate Advances Dam Safety Overhaul After Years of Delay

The Michigan Senate voted Thursday to overhaul the state's dam safety laws, moving long-awaited reforms one step closer to Governor Gretchen Whitmer's desk. The legislation aims to strengthen flood control standards and increase inspections. The bills, sponsored by Sen. Mallory McMorrow and Rep. Bill G. Schuette, would require dam owners to prove they can maintain structures. Because the Senate added substitute language to House Bill 5485, it must return to the House for final approval before reaching the governor. Michigan's dam safety standards are among the nation's weakest, with reforms stalled since 2020 failures caused over $200 million in damages. The state's 2,600 dams need $1 billion in repairs, and over 100,000 residents live in potential flood paths.