East Lansing, Mich. – Engineers and community planners say Michigan’s current drainage infrastructure cannot keep pace with rising flood risks. Recent spring storms across the state highlighted the strain on aging storm‑water systems and the urgent need for upgrades.

Funding the Fix

Steve Roznowski, president and CEO of the civil‑engineering firm Spicer Group, emphasized that new money is required to improve drainage and reduce flood damage. “It really comes down to funding. Somebody’s got to step up and pay for it. Unfortunately, some of that falls back on the residents,” he said.

Proactive Planning Over Reactive Repairs

Roznowski urged communities to adopt a broader, forward‑looking approach rather than waiting for damage to occur. “We need to think big picture, not just ‘hey, we have a problem, let’s fix it.’ What are the other options we can pursue? What can we do proactively to address the issues?”

Options include upgrading drainage networks, revising building ordinances, and updating local drain codes. While these steps can require significant financial commitments from local governments and property owners, they aim to prevent recurring flood damage.

Homeowner Education and Simple Solutions

Stacy Hissong, general counsel for the Michigan Association of County Drain Commissioners, highlighted the role of homeowner education. She pointed to rain barrels and rain gardens as simple measures that can temporarily retain water before it reaches municipal drains.

“Rain barrels are an excellent example. Rain gardens are another example to retain water. So, we hold it for a little bit of time during that big storm before it goes to the drain,” Hissong explained.

Long‑Term Maintenance Matters

Tim Daman, president and CEO of the Lansing Regional Chamber, warned that any new drainage projects must include plans for routine upkeep. “If you’re doing something that’s a 100‑year drain project, how are we building in routine maintenance?” he asked.

Without a maintenance strategy, even large‑scale projects could become crises over time.

Geographic Limits and Ongoing Challenges

Experts also noted that natural waterways, such as the Red Cedar River, can limit what local and state officials can achieve. Even with infrastructure improvements, some areas may continue to face flood risks due to river dynamics and surrounding development.

Overall, the consensus is that a combination of upgraded drainage, revised development rules, homeowner education, and consistent maintenance can help Michigan communities better manage stormwater. However, securing the necessary funding remains the biggest hurdle to swift action.

Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.