CHARLEVOIX COUNTY — Charlevoix County commissioners will consider flood relief for the Chain of Lakes Waterway at a meeting at 9:30 am Wednesday, July 8 at the Charlevoix County Shirley Roloff Center.
The meeting at 13513 Division St. in Charlevoix will be broadcast on YouTube Live.
Six Mile Lake Association members, composed of property owners in both Charlevoix and Antrim counties, plan to speak during the public comment section.
Because Six Mile Lake has 76 tributaries, a lack of spring thaw, heavy rain and rising lake levels up to 5 feet this spring caused severe flooding. Trapped sediment is preventing bridges and dams on the Chain of Lakes from moving water.
Delayed improvement and maintenance of the waterway has severely impacted roads, ditches, bridges, culverts, homes and property. Flooding has affected nearly 10,000 residents in the area and impacted tourism.
If the Charlevoix Board of Commissioners decides to join Antrim County on flood relief at no cost to the general taxpayers, the efforts can move forward.
Partial funding has already been secured from grants and the Antrim County General Fund. The remaining funds are proposed to come from those directly affected.