Monroe Review

State Representative James DeSana is set to lead a town hall meeting concerning the proposed removal of the Flat Rock Dam. This event will convene on April 7 at 7 p.m. at Huron High School, New Boston. He will be joined by Representatives Jamie Thompson and Rylee Linting. The forum aims to provide a platform for residents and stakeholders to discuss the dam's potential removal and its impacts on the community.

Ongoing discussions about the Flat Rock Dam have intensified following a feasibility study assessing its effects. DeSana emphasized the importance of public input, stating, "The potential removal of this dam is an issue that will have lasting impacts on our community, and it is critical that residents have a platform to express their concerns and receive the necessary information to make informed decisions.”

The meeting will include insights from local officials, residents, and a representative from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Participants will have the chance to ask questions and share perspectives on the dam's future.

Representative Thompson highlighted concerns regarding property values, recreational areas, and flood management: “People are concerned about what removing this dam would mean for property values, parks and waterways that families use and enjoy, flood management, and more. All of this should weigh into this decision and what the best way forward is.” He stressed the importance of local voices in the decision-making process: “We want to make sure voices in our area are heard because, at the end of the day, that’s where the impact is. It’s not impacting some bureaucrat in Lansing.”

Linting underscored the need for governmental transparency. “It’s important for state government to be transparent with our Downriver community,” she said. “This means keeping people we represent informed, getting their questions answered, and sharing details about what these changes would mean for them.” Linting expressed her anticipation for the dialogue, aiming to provide the transparency the public expects.

Attention to this issue reflects broader concerns about environmental changes and local governance, highlighting the intersection between public engagement and policy decisions.