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Midland coalition seeks $20 million this cycle for flood‑resilience and sewer/storm projects
Summary
A Midland business‑community coalition and local leaders told the appropriations subcommittee they have raised $1.63 million locally and seek $20 million in state funds in 2025 to advance midterm flood‑mitigation projects while continuing longer-term U.S. Army Corps of Engineers studies.
Business and civic leaders from Midland described a multi‑year effort to reduce frequent flooding in the Tittabawassee watershed and asked the House Appropriations Subcommittee for $20 million in the 2025 cycle to advance midterm resilience projects.
Tony Stamas, president and CEO of the Midland Business Alliance, said the committee formed after the 2020 dam breach to coordinate business, local government and nonprofit action on flooding, sanitary‑sewer and stormwater issues. Leanne Keller and JW Fisher, co‑chairs of the Midland committee, described the watershed's complexity — roughly 2,500 square miles with several tributaries converging downtown — and a mix of short‑, mid‑ and long‑term projects being pursued.
Keller said the coalition raised about $1.63 million in seed funds and is pursuing federal and state grants while funding a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hydrology/hydraulic study and a congressionally‑authorized General Investigation study. JW Fisher described a $40 million federal award the city is using for internal drainage work, and said the Army Corps remains the likely lead for the largest projects, which could take several budget cycles to implement.
Bill Schutte summarized the coalition's funding ask: $20 million in 2025 with a view to additional work in 2026 to reduce flood frequency and protect hospitals, homes and downtown businesses. Committee members heard project examples including relocating hospital boilers, pump‑station work on Sturgeon Creek and internal drainage upgrades; no committee votes or formal directives were recorded.
