Demolishing the rest of the crumbling dam is part of a larger restoration of Flint’s Riverfront
The Flint River’s Hamilton Dam has long been classified as dangerous due to its deteriorating condition. Now, thanks to $800,000 in federal funds from the Biden-Harris infrastructure law, the last part of the dam is finally being removed.
“This grant will make a substantial impact by restoring the natural flow of the Flint River, improving fish habitat, and creating new recreational opportunities for the residents of Flint and surrounding communities,” said Barry June, director of the Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission (GCPRC). “The project will reconnect Lake Huron to the Flint River above Hamilton Dam for the first time in 100 years and support spawning runs of lake sturgeon and walleye, as well as allowing recreational navigation of the river.”
The process of removing the dam began in 2018 with the demolition of the parts of the dam that sit above the water. Clearing the rest of the structure – the part that sits underwater and dams up the water – is the final step in restoring a 25-mile stretch of the Flint River to its natural course.
The Flint Riverfront Restoration Project, will also transform a nearly two-mile stretch of the Flint River that flows through downtown Flint. The project will enhance green spaces, spur economic development, and improve the quality of life for Flint residents. Once finished, it will be the first state park in Genesee County.
The state of Michigan provided $1.5 million for the project. The $800,000 grant from the National Fish Passage Program, funded by the Biden-Harris Infrastructure Law, will cover the rest of the bill. The law allocates resources to improve infrastructure while promoting environmental sustainability and resilience.
The Hamilton Dam removal will reconnect 25 miles of upstream habitat, benefiting native fish populations for the first time in a century. “The removal of the weir will enhance lake sturgeon restoration efforts in both the Flint and Saginaw river watersheds by creating additional rearing habitat for juvenile lake sturgeon … and spawning habitat for returning adults,” said Scott Koproski, U.S. Fish and Wildlife project leader.
For more information on the Hamilton Dam removal and the Flint Riverfront Restoration Project, visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ website.
Three Key Facts:
- The Flint River’s Hamilton Dam, long classified as dangerous, is being removed thanks to $800,000 in federal funds from the Biden-Harris infrastructure law. The move will restore the river’s natural flow and improve fish habitats.
- The Flint Riverfront Restoration Project will transform a two-mile stretch of the river through downtown Flint, enhancing green spaces, spurring economic development, and creating the first state park in Genesee County.
- The removal of the dam will reconnect 25 miles of upstream habitat for the first time in a century, benefiting native fish populations and supporting lake sturgeon restoration efforts in the Flint and Saginaw rivers.
