Three Rivers City Commission moves forward with grant to explore Portage Plant Dam removal

The Three Rivers City Commission approved a collaboration with Portage Power Co. to apply for a state grant that would fund a feasibility study on removing the Portage Plant Dam. The decision was made during the commission’s first meeting of the month on Tuesday.

The official memorandum has yet to be signed, but the approval allows the city to move forward with the grant application ahead of the approaching deadline, according to the city’s Director of Community Development John Beebe.

The feasibility study is expected to cost $100,000, with 90% of the funding coming from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Dam Risk Reduction Grant. Portage Power Co. will provide the remaining 10% as a matching contribution.

As part of the collaboration, the city will serve as the grant recipient and oversee the contract for engineering services.

“The city will work as a conduit — an intermediary between EGLE and consultant companies on behalf of the property,” Beebe said.

The study will assess the potential for dam removal, with a particular focus on environmental concerns, including sediment buildup behind the dam, as well as health impacts and potential future costs, Beebe added.

The official agreement for the partnership is expected to be finalized in March.

In addition to the grant discussion, the commission also reviewed plans to purchase fire hydrants, hire contractors for cross-connection inspections across the city, and acquire a new generator for city hall.

Najifa Farhat is a staff reporter for Watershed Voice.