People in Midland and Gratiot counties will mark two years since the Edenville and Sanford dams failed, causing widespread destruction - especially to the village of Sanford.
SANFORD, Mich. (WJRT) - In just over a month, people in Midland and Gladwin counties will mark two years since the Edenville and Sanford dams failed, causing widespread destruction - especially to the village of Sanford.
Efforts to rebuild the dams and restore the lakes are underway. And in the past two years Sanford has taken major steps forward to rebuild.
The bank, the grocer, and the hardware store have all re-opened their doors over the past 12 months.
But Village President Dolores Porte says one of their biggest accomplishments is the re-built Saginaw Road Bridge, which finally reconnected the two sides of the village.
Porte told ABC12 she also wants to restore the street lamps on Saginaw Road and reclaim the partially-buried Sanford Park.
And while memories of the flood still hang heavy on residents' minds, Porte said hope is burning bright.
"I think people still have lasting effects from that drama and trauma, but I think there's a lot of hope because they've seen us rebuild and come back strong," said Porte.
Monday afternoon, Porte spoke with Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, who was in town to discuss a $200 million mark for the village in Whitmer's recent infrastructure bill.
