{"id":28854,"date":"2026-09-26T03:16:21","date_gmt":"2026-09-26T03:16:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/?p=28854"},"modified":"2026-09-26T03:16:21","modified_gmt":"2026-09-26T03:16:21","slug":"michigans-brooklyn-dam-removed-after-85-years-2-million-project-transforms-21-acre-4-to-8-foot-deep-river-raisin-waterway-into-faster-flowing-stream-five-years-of-planning-and-constructio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/?p=28854","title":{"rendered":"Michigan\u2019s Brooklyn Dam removed after 85 years; $2 million project transforms 21-acre, 4-to-8-foot-deep River Raisin waterway into faster-flowing stream; five years of planning and construction"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"e9jwa\">\n<div class=\"vdo_embedd\">\n<div class=\"GfdvZ\">\n<section class=\"_bIDB  clearfix id-r-component leadmedia undefined undefined  E9tg9 \" style=\"top:0px\">\n<div class=\"_bIDB\" data-ua-type=\"1\" onclick=\"stpPgtnAndPrvntDefault(event)\">\n<div class=\"ypVvZ\">\n<div class=\"WGttI\"><img src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-134492481,imgsize-162030,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/michigans-brooklyn-dam-has-been-removed-after-85-years-transforming-the-river-raisin-into-a-faster-flowing-stream.jpg\" alt=\"Michigan\u2019s Brooklyn Dam removed after 85 years; $2 million project transforms 21-acre, 4-to-8-foot-deep River Raisin waterway into faster-flowing stream; five years of planning and construction\" title=\"Michigan\u2019s Brooklyn Dam has been removed after 85 years, transforming the River Raisin into a faster-flowing stream. (Photo: Peggy Hudson\/Natalie Davies)\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Ta7d_ img_cptn\"><span title=\"Michigan\u2019s Brooklyn Dam has been removed after 85 years, transforming the River Raisin into a faster-flowing stream. (Photo: Peggy Hudson\/Natalie Davies)\">Michigan\u2019s Brooklyn Dam has been removed after 85 years, transforming the River Raisin into a faster-flowing stream. (Photo: Peggy Hudson\/Natalie Davies)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>For generations, the River Raisin in Brooklyn, Michigan, was a familiar part of everyday life. Children skated across its frozen surface in winter, boats moved through it in summer and residents watched sunsets reflected on the water.<!-- --> Today, that landscape looks dramatically different.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"3\"\/>After nearly five years of planning, public meetings and construction, water once held behind the Brooklyn Dam has been diverted into a newly shaped river channel, leaving what was once a tall, slow-moving stretch of water as a shallower, faster-flowing stream.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"5\"\/>The project, which cost about $2 million and was funded through a combination of state and federal grants, is aimed at restoring a more natural river system and reducing the risks associated with the aging dam, according to MLive.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"9\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>From a 21-acre impoundment to a flowing river<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A $2 million project redirected water from the high-risk Brooklyn Dam into a newly shaped river channel.\" msid=\"134492484\" imgsize=\"397886\" resizemode=\"4\" width=\"\" title=\"A $2 million project redirected water from the high-risk Brooklyn Dam into a newly shaped river channel. (Photo: Natalie Davies)\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/imgsize-397886,msid-134492484\/a-2-million-project-redirected-water-from-the-high-risk-brooklyn-dam-into-a-newly-shaped-river-channel.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A $2 million project redirected water from the high-risk Brooklyn Dam into a newly shaped river channel. (Photo: Natalie Davies)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"12\"\/>The Brooklyn Dam was built in 1939 and held between roughly 4 and 8 feet of water across about 21 acres.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"14\"\/>Todd Losee, president of Niswander Environmental, said the former impoundment had become stagnant and was dominated by invasive aquatic vegetation.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"16\"\/>\u201c(It was) pretty stagnant water dominated by invasive aquatic plants, really mucky,\u201d Losee said during a tour of the former dam on Thursday, September 24.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"18\"\/>Niswander Environmental, which specializes in wetland and stream mitigation projects, worked as a contractor and consultant on the project.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"21\"\/>The work has changed the course of the water rather than simply eliminating the former dam structure. Most of the old structure remains, but water now flows through an adjacent channel created by sloping the riverbed.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"23\"\/>The new river path occupies an area where about 18.5 feet of dirt once stood beside the dam.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"25\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>Dam concerns grew after Edenville collapse<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p>The Brooklyn Dam became a greater concern after the Edenville Dam failed in Midland County in 2020.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"28\"\/>Dan Ross, who purchased the Brooklyn Dam and surrounding property in 2014, began noticing signs that his own structure could potentially fail. <!-- -->He contacted Michigan\u2019s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, or EGLE.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"32\"\/>The agency issued an emergency permit allowing the water behind the dam to be lowered and connected Ross with Niswander Environmental.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"34\"\/>Lowering the water level was a major undertaking. Losee said it took approximately 43 days to reduce the level by 10 to 12 feet.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"36\"\/>The River Raisin and Mill Pond water was ultimately redirected away from the high-risk section of the dam.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"39\"\/>The Kendron Drain also connects to the river.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"41\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>Environmental changes already visible<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p>According to the River Raisin Watershed Council, the project is already improving fish movement and restoring native vegetation.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"44\"\/>It has also removed some invasive aquatic plants that had flourished behind the dam.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"46\"\/>Additional work remains. Crews plan to construct two more drop structures to lower the river, install a rock-based fish ramp and plant additional shrubs and trees along the waterway.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"49\"\/>The stone Mill Street bridge over the River Raisin will also be rebuilt as a single-span bridge with stamped, colored concrete.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"51\"\/>Project officials will continue monitoring water levels as the new river system develops.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"53\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>Resident loses a familiar view but embraces the new river<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The River Raisin project aims to improve fish movement and restore native vegetation in Brooklyn, Michigan.\" msid=\"134492486\" imgsize=\"205322\" resizemode=\"4\" width=\"\" title=\"The River Raisin project aims to improve fish movement and restore native vegetation in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo: Natalie Davies)\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/imgsize-205322,msid-134492486\/the-river-raisin-project-aims-to-improve-fish-movement-and-restore-native-vegetation-in-brooklyn-michigan.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The River Raisin project aims to improve fish movement and restore native vegetation in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo: Natalie Davies)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"56\"\/>For Peggy Hudson, 71, the changes have been personal.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"58\"\/>Hudson grew up along the River Raisin and bought her childhood home in 2013. She remembers cutting across the ice to get to school during the winter and watching neighbors take their pontoons onto the river in summer.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"61\"\/>The portion of the river behind her home is now part of the area where the new channel was created.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"63\"\/>Hudson said she once had several views of the water from her home. Since construction began, the water level has dropped between 5 and 10 feet, making the river much harder to see.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"65\"\/>\u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019m missing,\u201d Hudson said as she showed a photograph of a sunset reflecting across the river from her backyard before the water level was lowered. <!-- -->\u201cIt\u2019s gone.\u201d<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"69\"\/>Despite losing that familiar view, Hudson said she understood why the changes were necessary. Her home sits high enough that she did not require flood insurance, so she was not particularly concerned about flooding.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"71\"\/>She now plans to build a staircase down toward the river and open her windows so she can hear the faster-moving water.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"73\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>Sediment briefly turned water black<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p>The project also came with an unexpected visual change.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"76\"\/>Losee said the release of sediment along the river\u2019s edge was one of the most controversial parts of the work. <!-- -->As the water level dropped, the sediment temporarily turned the river black and created a strong smell.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"80\"\/>The former dam was connected to 221 Mill Street, a property with a long industrial history. The location was once the site of the Brooklyn village sawmill before later becoming a Ford Motor Co. plant.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"82\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>Could Brooklyn become a model for other dams?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p>The Brooklyn project is being viewed as part of a broader discussion about aging dams across Michigan.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"85\"\/>Other dams along waterways beyond Brooklyn, including one in Saline, could eventually face similar questions about their future. <!-- -->A dam removal project is also underway in Ypsilanti.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"89\"\/>Niswander Environmental engineering consultant Ralph Reznick said maintaining aging dams can become increasingly expensive, sometimes making removal a more practical option.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"91\"\/>But he acknowledged that such decisions can be difficult because dams are often tied to generations of personal memories.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"94\"\/>\u201cI know your grandfather brought you here fishing, and you proposed to your wife here, and you cried here when your parents died. <!-- -->I know all those things,\u201d Reznick said he wished he could tell residents during public meetings.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"98\"\/>\u201cBut the question is, how much will each one of you be willing to pay to keep the dam? $10 grand a year? $15 grand?\u201d<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"100\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>$2 million project could set precedent<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p>The Brooklyn Dam removal was funded through several state and federal grants totaling approximately $2 million.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"103\"\/>Michigan lawmakers recently passed legislation establishing a Dam Safety Emergency Fund for EGLE and placing the Dam Risk Reduction Grant Program, which helped fund the Brooklyn project, into state law.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"105\"\/>Losee said the Brooklyn project could provide a model for how those grants can be used in other communities facing aging or high-risk dams.<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/timesofindia.indiatimes.com\/world\/us\/michigans-brooklyn-dam-removed-after-85-years-2-million-project-transforms-21-acre-4-to-8-foot-deep-river-raisin-waterway-into-faster-flowing-stream-five-years-of-planning-and-construction\/articleshow\/134492288.cms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Michigan\u2019s Brooklyn Dam has been removed after 85 years, transforming the River Raisin into a faster-flowing stream. (Photo: Peggy Hudson\/Natalie Davies) For generations, the River Raisin in Brooklyn, Michigan, was a familiar part of everyday life. Children skated across its frozen surface in winter, boats moved through it in summer and residents watched sunsets reflected [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":28855,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28854","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-31"],"magazineBlocksPostFeaturedMedia":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/michigans-brooklyn-dam-has-been-removed-after-85-years-transforming-the-river-raisin-into-a-faster-f-150x150.avif","medium":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/michigans-brooklyn-dam-has-been-removed-after-85-years-transforming-the-river-raisin-into-a-faster-f-300x169.avif","medium_large":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/michigans-brooklyn-dam-has-been-removed-after-85-years-transforming-the-river-raisin-into-a-faster-f.avif","large":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/michigans-brooklyn-dam-has-been-removed-after-85-years-transforming-the-river-raisin-into-a-faster-f.avif","1536x1536":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/michigans-brooklyn-dam-has-been-removed-after-85-years-transforming-the-river-raisin-into-a-faster-f.avif","2048x2048":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/michigans-brooklyn-dam-has-been-removed-after-85-years-transforming-the-river-raisin-into-a-faster-f.avif","blogsy-small":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/michigans-brooklyn-dam-has-been-removed-after-85-years-transforming-the-river-raisin-into-a-faster-f.avif","blogsy-small-tall":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/michigans-brooklyn-dam-has-been-removed-after-85-years-transforming-the-river-raisin-into-a-faster-f.avif","blogsy-small-square":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/michigans-brooklyn-dam-has-been-removed-after-85-years-transforming-the-river-raisin-into-a-faster-f.avif","blogsy-small-masonry":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/michigans-brooklyn-dam-has-been-removed-after-85-years-transforming-the-river-raisin-into-a-faster-f.avif","blogsy-medium":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/michigans-brooklyn-dam-has-been-removed-after-85-years-transforming-the-river-raisin-into-a-faster-f.avif","blogsy-medium-masonry":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/michigans-brooklyn-dam-has-been-removed-after-85-years-transforming-the-river-raisin-into-a-faster-f.avif","blogsy-large":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/michigans-brooklyn-dam-has-been-removed-after-85-years-transforming-the-river-raisin-into-a-faster-f.avif","blogsy-wide":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/michigans-brooklyn-dam-has-been-removed-after-85-years-transforming-the-river-raisin-into-a-faster-f.avif"},"magazineBlocksPostAuthor":{"name":"admin","avatar":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8709732a479614e7a8aa24d3eb1b239f30dc6d90c61464ed495001e7a469d856?s=96&d=mm&r=g"},"magazineBlocksPostCommentsNumber":"0","magazineBlocksPostExcerpt":"Michigan\u2019s Brooklyn Dam has been removed after 85 years, transforming the River Raisin into a faster-flowing stream. (Photo: Peggy Hudson\/Natalie Davies) For generations, the River Raisin in Brooklyn, Michigan, was a familiar part of everyday life. 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