UNION CITY, MI (WTVB) – Union City officials are confronting a significant financial and infrastructure hurdle following an engineering report that identifies $3.6 million in necessary safety repairs for the village-owned Riley Dam.
The 100-year-old structure, which impounds the St. Joseph River to create Union Lake and provides hydroelectric power to the community, was recently cited by state inspectors for structural issues including rust, pitting on metal gates, and deterioration of the concrete spillway.
While the facility was remarkably spared from a devastating EF-3 tornado that struck the region in March 2026, the underlying structural deficiencies have forced the village to suspend the use of dam gates until critical stabilization can occur.
To address the immediate risks, engineers from the Spicer firm have recommended a multi-phase approach starting with temporary repairs to maintain short-term stability.
The subsequent $3.6 million long-term overhaul aims to ensure the dam meets modern safety standards and continues its century-long service as a local utility.
Village Manager Chris Mathis, who has previously overseen emergency measures such as using landscape fabric to seal leaking gates, is now navigating the challenge of funding these massive upgrades alongside ongoing tornado recovery costs. This local crisis mirrors a broader dam safety struggle across Michigan, where officials estimate over $1 billion is needed to address aging infrastructure.
Comments