State Rep. Mike Hoadley today voted for a bipartisan legislative plan that will strengthen dam safety standards across the state of Michigan. 

“When a dam fails, the consequences can be immediate and devastating for the surrounding community,” said Hoadley (R-Au Gres). “We’ve seen that horrific reality firsthand. Our families and businesses deserve to know that every reasonable step is being taken to prevent another disaster. By implementing these standards, we’re putting safety first and ensuring that we are protected from avoidable risks.” 

Senate Bill 947 expands Michigan’s dam safety regulations by creating a 15-year dam registration program, increasing inspections and safety evaluations, and strengthening emergency action plans and engineering standards. The bill also gives the state greater authority to respond to unsafe dams and recover emergency costs from owners, while improving information sharing between the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). 

“We can’t afford to wait until another failure occurs before taking action,” Hoadley said. “True public safety depends on proactive, common-sense measures. We have a duty to identify risks and properly address them before the problem becomes a disaster.”