Public input needed on fate of 2 dams

Officials from Indiana Michigan Power have set up an online survey for public input regarding the fate of the century-old Mottville Dam.

In addition, a public open house takes place Thursday in Elkhart for more thoughts in the fate of the Mottville Dam and the Elkhart Dam. Both structures are on the St. Joseph River.

Input will help guide company considerations for the future of the facilities. I&M officials said the company is committed to gathering community feedback and analyzing impacts on recreation, the environment, the local economy and other factors.

According to a company media release, it is exploring the best long-term plan for both facilities, as the upcoming Federal Emergency Regulatory Commission license is coming due.

Options include relicensing both facilities. Such a step would allow the dams to continue to operate. Another option is decommission, then removing them and restoring a free-flowing river.

Thursday’s meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Northern Indiana Event Center in Elkhart. An online survey can be found on the website: hydrocommunityconversation.com.

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