LANSING, MI-- A high water town hall webinar has been scheduled for March 26, the first community outreach event organized by the ad hoc Michigan High Water Action Team, which was formed during the Michigan High Water Coordinating Summit in February.
The webinar will feature staff from the Michigan Departments of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; Transportation; Natural Resources; Agriculture and Rural Development; and Insurance and Financial Services, as well as a representative from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. They will cover water level basics and current forecasts, statewide high water impacts, and resources for residents. Local officials, community leaders, and the general public will also learn about the ongoing government response. There also will be time for audience questions. The webinar will begin at 6 p.m. and registration is now open.
Michigan’s water levels are at their highest in more than two decades. Lakes Michigan and Huron have broken record high levels each month this year, and are expected to continue to do so. From Detroit’s Belle Isle to the U.P.’s Keweenaw Peninsula, these exceptionally high water levels have caused millions of dollars in damage to private property and public infrastructure, including roads and state parks. Water levels are also impacting community water systems and causing other public health concerns.
The virtual town hall is the first in a series of high water town halls planned for the coming months, one of the outcomes of the High Water Summit. The summit brought together state, federal, and local officials, as well as representatives from tribal governments and groups that represent local units of government. Dates for future town halls will be announced later.
