The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has embarked on a plan to address public safety and infrastructure concerns surrounding the Cornwall Flooding dam. Earlier this year, the DNR announced its intention to draw down the impoundment behind the dam, and since then, it has been working with partners to secure funding and execute a detailed inspection.
The primary goal of the inspection, to be carried out by an independent firm, is to gather comprehensive data that will guide the DNR in identifying the safest and most efficient course of action for the high hazard dam. Simultaneously, the DNR is actively seeking renovation funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support the necessary repairs.
Randy Claramunt, chief of the DNR Fisheries Division, stressed the crucial role of partner support and funding in determining the future of the Cornwall Flooding dam. "With additional support and more complete data, we can explore various options for high hazard dams like Cornwall," Claramunt stated. He acknowledged the dam's significance to the local community as an outdoor recreation spot for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife observation.
Built in 1966, the Cornwall Flooding dam has been classified as a high hazard dam by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. This designation signifies that a potential dam failure could result in severe damage to homes and infrastructure downstream, significant environmental degradation, and even loss of life.
Seeking funding from FEMA aligns with previous attempts to secure support for repairing the Cornwall dam. Unfortunately, a proposal submitted to FEMA in 2021 was unsuccessful. Claramunt acknowledged that the new proposal, which requires strong stakeholder support, faces no guarantees in the application process. In the absence of funding, whether internal or external, the DNR will still address safety concerns.
In parallel with seeking FEMA assistance, several Michigan legislators have been actively pursuing funding avenues to facilitate the much-needed repairs at Cornwall.
The success of the ongoing efforts, including the comprehensive inspection, internal stakeholder support, and the pending FEMA application, could potentially prevent the need for a drawdown of the Cornwall Flooding dam.
Furthermore, the DNR is currently conducting evaluations of more than 200 state-owned dams across Michigan, including the Cornwall impoundment. These evaluations aim to determine the most prudent actions moving forward, as the agency navigates the intricate considerations of environmental impact, social implications, safety concerns, and financial constraints associated with dam ownership, maintenance, and repair.
