KALAMAZOO RIVER - THE GOOD...THE BAD...AND THE UGLY...

This past week, the Kalamazoo River flows increased enough to cause flooding in the area immediately downstream of the Albion Dam.  I called out our engineers to inspect the dam to determine that there were no immediate concerns and had them check the North Albion Street bridge for scouring as an extra measure.  The engineers suggested that we board the structure at the entrance to the headrace pond to divert flow to the lower river, thereby reducing the strain on the headrace earthen dam above, and our outstanding DPS employees went right to work.  They also installed sandbags along a portion of the earthen dam to divert overflow down the old concrete steps instead of over the earthen dam bank.  The Kalamazoo River is a beautiful asset to our community, for recreation and fishing.  However, when she gets angry, she is a real challenge, causing flooding to the parkland and private properties in the area and poses a potential serious threat to our dam, bridges, and other adjacent buildings and structures.  We must continue to find ways to manage her awesome benefits...and her terrible fury.