State Rep. Mike Hoadley today announced that he has submitted a plan for a $2.5 million grant to support critical improvements at Trout Lake in Gladwin County. The proposed state funding, if approved, would be dedicated to restoring and preserving Trout Lake, a valuable natural resource and beloved spot for recreation that has served generations of local families.

In October 2024, the state’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy released a Dam Safety Inspection Report that cited Trout Lake Dam as being in poor condition. The dam’s stoplogs are deteriorating and are now at risk of failure. In addition, there is an increasing amount of seepage from the embankment and an unsatisfactory outlet pipe. This all led to an emergency drawdown order from the Department in July 2025 to prevent a sudden collapse. The lake has remained dry since then.

“Trout Lake Dam is now 65 years old, and it needs our help to keep serving this community,” Hoadley said. “The state government is responsible for managing the dam, and it needs to either fix it or remove it. That’s why I have a plan to finally secure resources and get the state moving on this important priority for our community. The people of Gladwin County deserve a solution here, and they deserve a beautiful area they can enjoy. With this investment, we can get it done.”