Congressman Kildee Announces New Funding to Remove Hazardous Hamilton Dam

Statement

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today announced new federal funds to remove the hazardous Hamilton Dam, located in downtown Flint, to improve public safety and enhance the health of the Flint River ecosystem.

The $855,650 federal grant, thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supported by Congressman Kildee, will be used to remove the Hamilton Dam. Removing the remaining lower portion of the Hamilton Dam, which the Michigan Department of Natural Resources deems a high hazard dam, will reconnect 25 miles of the Flint River, including over 5 miles of critical Lake Sturgeon habitat in the mainstem Flint River. This project is part of the Flint River Restoration, a long-term effort focused on the revitalization of the riverfront in downtown Flint.

"Michigan's outdoor spaces like the Flint River bring people together and enhance our communities. That's why I'm proud to announce this federal funding to remove the Hamilton Dam to help revitalize our community," Congressman Kildee said. "In Congress, I will continue working to bring federal dollars home to rebuild our infrastructure and create a more vibrant community for Michiganders."

The Hamilton Dam was originally built for the logging industry in 1920, but it has outlived its purpose. Studies of the dam consistently report the Hamilton dam is in poor condition, with substantial structural deficiencies reported for both the dam and the gates. In addition to improving safety, removing the dam will also allow fish and other aquatic species to move upstream of the dam.

"Across the country, millions of barriers block fish migration and put communities at higher risk of flooding," said Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland. "President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in our nation's rivers, streams and communities and help restore habitat connectivity for aquatic species around the country."

Congressman Dan Kildee has a track record of championing Michigan's great outdoors, including Michigan's river and lakes. Last year, Congressman Kildee helped secure $1 million for Flint Riverfront Restoration, and more recently, he secured $348 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) to protect the Great Lakes from dangerous chemicals like PFAS, combat harmful algae blooms and protect against invasive species, such as Asian carp.

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