Modernizing Michigan’s Dam Safety Laws - Senate bill

Many of Michigan’s 2,600 dams are older than their intended 50-year lifespan, and 140 are classified as having high hazard potential, meaning failure would likely result in loss of life and significant property damage. SB 947 updates the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) to modernize Michigan’s outdated dam safety laws and better protect communities from dam failures. 

With limited financial resources for dam upkeep and growing risks of aging dams, the bill adopts key recommendations from the 2024 Michigan Dam Safety Task Force. It strengthens oversight of dam operations, monitoring, safety, and emergency planning; establishes a dam risk reduction grant program and emergency fund; and creates a statewide registration system requiring dam owners to demonstrate their structures are safe and financially supported for proper maintenance or removal.

With climate change increasing extreme rainfall, rapid snowmelt, and flash-flood events, Michigan’s aging dams face growing stress. SB 947 ensures the state has the oversight and authority needed to prevent future failures and protect downstream communities, drinking water systems, and natural resources. These updates position Michigan to better prevent catastrophic failures and ensure dam owners, not communities, bear responsibility for keeping these structures safe.