The Michigan Legislature's Appropriations Committee convened on July 24, 2025, to discuss critical funding requests aimed at addressing the aftermath of severe flooding in Midland and Gladwin Counties. The meeting highlighted two significant proposals presented by Representative Schutte, focusing on flood recovery and prevention.

The first proposal seeks $10 million to aid in the reconstruction of dams that collapsed during record flooding in May 2020. This disaster resulted in extensive damage, displacing thousands of residents and causing millions in losses. Schutte emphasized the need for stronger infrastructure to prevent future disasters, noting that the total cost for rebuilding the dams is estimated at $250 million. He argued that it is unreasonable to expect local residents, many of whom are low-income, to shoulder the financial burden of these repairs.

The second request, also for $10 million, aims to implement flood reduction initiatives in Midland, which has a history of flooding due to its location at the confluence of multiple river systems. Schutte pointed out that modern technology can help mitigate these risks, referencing successful flood management strategies used in other communities. He stressed the importance of protecting both the local population and significant economic assets, such as the headquarters of Dow Chemical.

The committee's discussions underscored the urgency of these funding requests, as the region continues to grapple with the long-term impacts of natural disasters. The proposals received support from various committee members, reflecting a shared commitment to enhancing community resilience and safeguarding residents from future flooding events. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the funding allocations to address these pressing needs.