Michigan lawmakers announce Corps of Engineers funding to continue critical Tittabawassee River Watershed flood study

Midland, Michigan –The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Detroit District has announced an additional $1.2 million to continue work on the Tittabawassee Watershed Flood Risk Management Study. This General Investigation (GI) study is the second Corps of Engineers study to examine the Tittabawassee River Watershed and its legacy flooding. This multi-year study is focused on managing flood risks to life and safety, reducing damages to property, and determining the cost benefit and feasibility of potential flood reduction and mitigation projects.

The $1.2 million for the study’s continuation was included in the Army Corps of Engineer’s Fiscal Year 2025 Work Plan, which was allocated under the full-year continuing resolution (CR) passed by Congress in March.

These funds will provide ongoing support for the federal share of the study’s 50/50 cost-share between the federal sponsor and the three local sponsors: the County of Midland, City of Midland, and the Midland Business Alliance (MBA) Advisory Committee on Infrastructure. The local sponsors have secured their half of the cost-share.

“We thank our federal legislators for continuing to support this study, which we believe is a key step toward finding solutions to long-term flooding issues in the Midland area. We thank the Army Corps of Engineers for the excellent working relationship and commitment to this study and our previous study,” the County, City and MBA said in a joint statement.

“For the last five years following the devastating flooding in mid-Michigan, communities across Midland and Gladwin counties have come together to rebuild their homes and businesses. As the only member of the House Appropriations Committee from Michigan, I have advocated for critical funding to help the community in these efforts and mitigate the risk of future flooding. I am grateful the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ study into the Tittabawassee River Watershed was continued in its FY 2025 Work Plan, and I will continue my work in Congress to assist mid-Michigan’s recovery,” said Congressman John Moolenaar.

“The Midland community has remained resilient in the face of catastrophic flood events over the last several decades. However, we know more needs to be done to protect our families, homes and businesses from future damage. I’m proud to have helped secure this funding to continue developing solutions to protect communities in the region and across Michigan that are still vulnerable to severe flooding,” said Senator Gary Peters. “I’ll continue working to ensure Michiganders and our communities can withstand and quickly recover from future disasters.”

“Understanding how our community can best combat flooding will save homes and businesses that local residents have put their life savings into. This study is collecting critical information on the effects of frequent flooding, which will help us find new ways to protect people and reduce property damage,” said Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet. “I’m proud to have fought for this project’s continuation so we can make our community safer and more prosperous.”

“Flood risks throughout mid-Michigan have threatened lives, homes and businesses for far too long,” said Senator Elissa Slotkin. “By working hand-in-hand with the Army Corps of Engineers and local partners, we can better protect our communities, strengthen our local economy and build a more resilient future for the Midland area. This investment helps us move forward in that important work.”

In November 2024, the GI study kicked off with a three-day planning meeting that included the Corps of Engineers, federal and state agencies, the local sponsors and community stakeholders. The local sponsors collected and shared historical flood damage data with the Corps of Engineers earlier this year.

In total, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Detroit District received $558.9 million in Fiscal Year 2025 Work Plan investment. For more information about the projects funded, visit https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/News/News-Releases/Display/Article/4188026/detroit-district-receives-5589-million-investment-from-fy25-work-plan/