MIDLAND, MI – All four area dams overseen by the Four Lakes Task Force remain under construction as 2025 ends, with work continuing on schedule and within budget estimates, according to the task force’s latest update.
The organization plans to continue construction through 2026 and begin restoring lake levels, Four Lakes Task Force President Dave Kepler said in a statement.
“Restoring the lake levels is a major step in restoring the surrounding environment and lake ecosystems, but there is still much work to do,” Kepler said.
At Edenville Dam, crews completed the auxiliary spillway stilling basin slabs and sloped spillway concrete mats in November. Work has started on downstream access roads, and crews placed a barge and crane upstream to support upcoming cofferdam and spillway construction.
Sanford Dam reached a significant milestone with the installation of its final gate in mid-November. Crews are now installing dogging arms, which hold gates open with latches, and welding side seal plates. Gate testing is scheduled to finish in December. The roller compacted concrete embankment is complete and being covered with soil, while a debris boom will be installed in front of the spillway.
Construction at Secord Dam continues on the right training wall, where crews will remove forms and advance work as concrete cures. At the powerhouse, wall pours and floor demolition continue, along with concrete work on the low-level outlet, center pier, and ramp.
At Smallwood Dam, concrete work on the left training wall and center pier is expected to be finished by year’s end. Crews are preparing to install crest gates and side seals. The control building is complete, with mechanical and electrical work underway inside.
