As a local business owner and resident of the Stanwood area, I care deeply about the long-term stability and future of our community. That’s why I support Consumers Energy’s decision to sell the Rogers and Hardy hydroelectric dams to Confluence Hydro, and why I am concerned about calls to remove them altogether.
The water is not just a backdrop here. It is central to why people live, invest and build their lives in this region.
My children are the sixth generation of our family to call this area home. When my wife and I decided to return to Stanwood, the river and recreation the village supports were major reasons we chose to come back, invest locally and raise our family here. Like many families, we spend time on the water, make memories boating and enjoy the trails and outdoor amenities that define this place.
From a business perspective, the economic impact of the dams is enormous. Local businesses, including restaurants, shops, hotels and recreation-based companies, depend on the steady flow of visitors and residents drawn here by the water. The Dragon Trail is now a nationally recognized mountain bike destination. The White Pine Trail is one of the longest paved trails in the country. These amenities work together with the river and lakes to support tourism, small businesses and local jobs.
Stability is equally important. Businesses, homeowners and developers make long-term decisions based on confidence in the future. Stable water levels support property values, tax revenue and the kind of thoughtful growth that keeps communities strong. Removing the dams would introduce uncertainty that ripples far beyond the shoreline, impacting homeowners, local governments and the broader regional economy.
This is not about resisting change or ignoring environmental responsibility. It’s about recognizing that dam removal would have real, negative consequences for people who live and work here. Confluence Hydro’s ownership presents an opportunity to maintain these assets responsibly while preserving the economic and recreational foundation our community depends on.
People love this area because of the water. It’s why families settle here, why businesses open their doors and why visitors return year after year. Protecting that stability protects our future.
Tyler Huntey is CEO of Early Learning Company in Big Rapids.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Letter: Why I support keeping the Rogers and Hardy dams
Reporting by The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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