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

“This is a good first step,” said Roth (R-Interlochen). “Dam safety requires significant proactive work; we can’t afford to wait until an immediate threat arises to take action. By addressing our vulnerabilities in the infrastructure beforehand, we can make needed improvements before an emergency occurs. Northern Michigan has repeatedly seen the tragic consequences of dam failure, and our communities deserve serious oversight to ensure that the work is being done to prevent future disasters.” 

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). 

Roth continued by emphasizing the importance of dam maintenance to the economic development of many communities across Northern Michigan. 

“Our dam infrastructure supports navigable waterways that are vital to many of our northern communities,” Roth said. “The economic activity driven by them is impactful, and they must be maintained in order to promote local growth. By investing in dam safety, we’re making an important investment in long-term local viability.”