Midland, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers launch 3-year study to mitigate Tittabawassee River flooding

In late November, representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers came to Midland for a three-day planning session with local sponsors of a new General Investigation (GI) study. 

Known as a “charrette,” this planning meeting signals the start of a three-year study, which is the second investigation focused on the flooding issues of the Tittabawassee River Watershed.

This GI study aims to address flood risk management for life and safety, minimize property damage, and evaluate the cost-effectiveness and viability of projects.

The charrette was organized by three local sponsors: the Midland Business Alliance (MBA), the County of Midland, and the City of Midland.

“The Corps of Engineers Detroit District brought together an extensive project team from across the country for this charrette, including diverse disciplines that range from economists and planners to hydraulic and geotechnical engineers,” says Eric Ellis, biologist, and senior project manager, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District.

The Corps of Engineers hosted a charrette with representatives from federal and state agencies, including the EPA and NOAA. Major Aurora DeAngelis-Caban opened the event, along with comments from local leaders such as Midland Mayor Maureen Donker and Michigan State Representative Bill G. Schuette. 

Key presenters urged local sponsors and stakeholders to engage in discussions about flooding impacts. The three-day event also included participation from various local organizations and officials.

“The Corps of Engineers gathered our ideas, our history, goals and needs, flood risks, steps we’ve already taken, future opportunities, and more,” says Bridgette Gransden, Midland County administrator/controller. “They also have given us homework–to gather historical flood data, including the damages, costs, and economic impact of previous floods.”

A career facilitator led various exercises and breakout sessions to gather information from the local participants, the agencies, and the broader Corps of Engineers team. The charrette also included a bus tour of Midland, Bullock Creek, and the M-20 areas to highlight the locations and severity of past flooding. This included showing the extensive flooding area when the Tittabawassee floodwaters were pushed into local waterways.

“We were pleased by the number of state and local stakeholders who were able to join the federal partners in this meeting,” says Kaye, Midland’s city manager. “And the Corps of Engineers told us that they were very impressed by the significant representation and involvement of our local attendees.”

“You can feel the desire to make positive changes. Local participation was off the charts and as good as it gets,” Ellis says after the charrette. “We have a path forward based on local experience and input and look forward to working as a team through the next steps in the planning process.”

“This was just the starting point. The GI study’s process is an interesting one,” says Stamas. “There will be several opportunities along the way for community input. Right now, the Corps of Engineers is collecting data from us. The local organizations are working to deliver that information. We are excited about this process and partnering with the Detroit District.”