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Raising Lakes Huron, Michigan costly

Water levels in Lake Michigan have been low for years. Would dams at the upper end of the St. Clair River raise lake levels, and would they be worth the cost?
Mark Brush
/
Michigan Radio
Water levels in Lake Michigan have been low for years. Would dams at the upper end of the St. Clair River raise lake levels, and would they be worth the cost?

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) - A new report says it would be technologically feasible to raise water levels in Lakes Huron and Michigan to make up for drop-offs caused by more than a century of dredging and other human activity.

But the report obtained by The Associated Press says it would take decades to accomplish the task and the price tag could exceed $200 million.

The study is scheduled for public release Friday. It was conducted by a team of engineers and scientists for the International Joint Commission, a U.S.-Canadian panel that advises both nations on Great Lakes issues.

They're trying to determine whether it would be worthwhile to place underwater dams, gates or other structures at the upper end of the St. Clair River to reduce the volume of water escaping Lake Huron.

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting.
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