High Water Mark
We want the highest flood levels to be in our past … and our highest levels of progress ahead of us.
Community Updated on Flood Study at August Open House
On August 5, 2026, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Detroit District visited Midland for a community open house to share the Tentatively Selected Plan (TSP) and get the public’s feedback. The TSP is another milestone in the Tittabawassee River Watershed Flood Risk Management Study.
The event was hosted by the local non-federal sponsors – the County of Midland, City of Midland, and Midland Business Alliance (MBA) Advisory Committee on Infrastructure – who answered community questions about ongoing local flood reduction efforts.
The open house experience started with “popcorn and a movie.” A short video gave an overview of the study and the TSP. From there, attendees visited different information stations to talk to USACE experts on the hydraulics and hydrology of river flooding, flood risk, structural flood protection, environmental mitigation, non-structural solutions, and more. A final station collected oral and written public comments, a key part of this process.
The conceptual TSP, as presented, includes a floodgate and high-capacity pump station at Sturgeon Creek near Midland’s Main Street and the Tittabawassee River – along with flanking floodwalls and berms to contain the river. The TSP also currently includes a “non-structural” component that looks at various flood-proofing techniques for eligible at-risk structures across the Midland area. This is a totally voluntary program, and approved improvements would be at no cost to those property owners.
USACE plans to add the “Draft Feasibility Report” to the study’s website soon. That draft report includes extensive information about the plan, the economics, and the emphasis on health and public safety. There will also be a way for the public to comment on the plan. Watch the USACE website for that information.
This is the second USACE study to look at the Tittabawassee River Watershed and its flooding. Kicked off in November 2024, it is focused on managing flood risks to life and safety, reducing damages to property, and determining the cost benefit and feasibility of potential projects.
Thank you to the community members who participated, as this was the most well-attended event to date with the Army Corps of Engineers. And thank you to Northwood University for providing the space for this community event.
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Previous Newsletters
Latest News
July 13, 2026
USACE Community Open House
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to share important information on tentative plan and gather public’s feedback.
April 27, 2026
Grants to Midland and Sanford
Federal grants are awarded for local flood recovery and resiliency projects.
In 2021, the Midland Business Alliance (MBA) Board of Directors formed a task force to examine any infrastructure issue that impacts the quality of life and economic vitality of the Midland area. As its first task, the MBA Advisory Committee on Infrastructure is charged with finding the best ways to work with local, state and federal partners to address longstanding flood issues that impact the citizens, business community and economic development in the GLBR. Two initial primary areas of focus are the legacy flooding challenges and the related sanitary sewer issues.
ROI
(March 2026)
FAQ
(May 2023)
Fact Sheet
(May 2023)
ACOI Infographic
(April 2022)
Committee Structure
The volunteer advisory committee is made up of MBA board members, members of the community at large, an MBA staff representative, and ex officio representatives from the Four Lakes Task Force, Midland County and the City of Midland. The committee functions under the Midland Business Alliance Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization.
Key Initiatives
Solutions won’t come overnight. In fact, mitigation efforts are likely to take years. But the first steps involve an engineering study in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the development of potential infrastructure projects, and the evaluation of each project’s benefits and feasibility. Our key tasks and initiatives include:
Engineering services — The first step is to learn “what we don’t know” and gain valuable insight from experts. Engineers and scientists will help with data accumulation, a review of past flood and hydrological studies, technical assistance, and development of sound concepts for potential flood mitigation and infrastructure improvements.
Community involvement — Our goal is to create broad and wide community engagement and participation from individuals, community groups and leaders, neighborhoods, businesses and various organizations. This will include townhall meetings, community workshops and regular communication.
Conservation — We want to collaborate with conservation and environmental organizations for floodlands to find beneficial solutions.
Advocacy and partnerships — We want to engage with federal, state and local leaders, agencies and offices. This includes working closely with the City of Midland and Midland County officials, with surrounding counties, and with agencies and organizations such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and the Four Lakes Task Force. We will also advocate for support from our state and federal representatives and senators.
Finance — We are committed to advocating for government support and other innovative financing of future projects.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Community Update Presentation
On September 24, 2025, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local partners shared an update with the community. If you weren’t able to attend—or would like to watch it again—you can view the recorded session here.
In May 2023, the Advisory Committee on Infrastructure held a High Water Mark event for the community, providing flood reduction information on funding, potential plans, and progress to date. This event featured guest speaker Nick Zager, chief of planning, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Detroit District, and a panel of environmentalists discussing watershed health with experts:
- Elan Lipschitz, executive director, Little Forks Conservancy
- Dennis Pilaske, executive director, Chippewa Nature Center
- Mike Kelly, director, Great Lakes Office, The Conservation Fund and Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network (WIN)
- Helen Taylor, state director, Michigan, The Nature Conservancy
- Kyle Rorah, regional director of public policy, Ducks Unlimited
You can watch the full event above.
Keep up to date with the latest information on our flood reduction / resiliency project by joining our mailing list.
Advisory Committee on Infrastructure | Virtual Town Hall
(July 29, 2024)
Presentation at “State of the Bay”
(Sept. 22, 2022)
Community Support
Many local foundations and businesses have already donated to support the committee’s research, flood study and initial planning efforts. No local tax dollars are being used for the study, thanks to their support. These donors include:
Charles J. Strosacker Foundation
Corteva Agriscience
Dow Company Foundation
Fisher Companies
Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation
Johnston Contracting
Midland Area Community Foundation
MyMichigan Health
Patricia and David Kepler Foundation
Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation
Three Rivers Corporation