- A crumbling, century-old dam in AuTrain Township could threaten local businesses and public safety, with some worried about a dam failure or its possible removal
- Federal regulators have demanded safety upgrades for more than 15 years, but the private owners have delayed costly repairs, echoing what happened at a mid-Michigan dam where regulators could not compel action before a catastrophic dam failure in 2020
- The situation raises questions over ownership, oversight, and long-term viability of Michigan’s dams, including 13 which Consumers Energy wants to sell
AUTRAIN TOWNSHIP — Amid stacked rows of brightly colored plastic kayaks and canoes, Khrystal Crosno recently helped an Ann Arbor family begin a floating trip along the scenic AuTrain River.
The Earl family should spot turtles, herons and river otters during the 7-mile trip toward Lake Superior. Maybe even a black bear, Crosno told them.
Crosno had no doubt the Earls would enjoy the slow trip…