State Rep. Jamie Thompson, of Brownstown, is continuing to listen to people she represents regarding the potential removal of the Flat Rock-Huroc dam structures and the impacts doing so would have locally.

Thompson, who represents the area where the Flat Rock Dam is located and surrounding neighborhoods, on Monday attended a town hall in New Boston that also included local officials from the city of Flat Rock and Wayne County. The group answered questions on the timeline and feasibility of the dam’s potential removal while hearing concerns from residents in attendance.

“This was incredibly important for people from Flat Rock to Huron Township and all the way down the river to have conversations and get more information regarding how this would impact them and their families,” Thompson said. “This would be a big change for our area and it’s something I continue to hear about locally. I have spoken with some people who were not aware something like this was even under consideration and wanted to have a platform to share their perspective. I have also heard from many people over the past several months who are concerned about flood management for the area, impacts on the ecosystem, and what will happen to their property values if they suddenly have a giant peat bog alongside their property.

“It should be noted that I did not see one person in attendance stand in support of the dams going away, so it’s important going forward to understand and respect the overwhelming input coming from our communities as this decision is made so we can uphold what’s best for our residents.”

The Flat Rock Dam was built by the Ford Motor Company over 100 years ago for hydroelectricity for a nearby factory that remained in operation until 1950. The Huron-Clinton Metroparks Administration’s Board of Directors is the governing body responsible for making a final decision about what will happen to the dams. A feasibility study for removal was recently undertaken and restoration alternatives have also been considered.

Thompson is in her second term in the Michigan House serving the 28^th District, which includes Flat Rock as well as Brownstown Township, Rockwood, Woodhaven and parts of Taylor in Wayne County, and Berlin Township and Frenchtown Township in Monroe County.

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Jamie Thompson, of Brownstown, was a special guest of state Rep. James DeSana for a town hall on Monday, April 7 at Huron High School in New Boston. The town hall discussed the potential removal of the Flat Rock and Huroc Dams and allowed concerned residents to gather more information.