Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said on Wednesday she has directed the state's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to investigate the cause of the Edenville and Sanford Dam failures.
Full coverage: Mid-Michigan flooding
Whitmer sent a letter to EGLe that also asked them to review dam safety in Michigan and provide recommendations that can prevent these failures from happening elsewhere.
She made the announcement in Midland on Wednesday after touring the area and damage caused by the historic flooding.
“This flooding forced thousands to evacuate their homes, destroyed public infrastructure, ruined homes and businesses, and caused major natural resource damage,” Whitmer said in a release. “We must ensure accountability and prevent a disaster like this from happening again. I want to thank the first responders and volunteers who have stepped up to help in this time of unprecedented need.”
Both dams failed last week sending hundreds of thousands of gallons of water per second rushing over the dam, forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of people and leaving a path of destruction.
Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Midland County on May 19 and extended it to several other counties. On May 21, President Donald Trump approved a federal emergency declaration for Midland County.
Whitmer asks state to inves... by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd
