Updates on the Sturgis Hydroelectric Project & Drawdown of the Sturgis Dam Reservoir

The Langley Covered Bridge is now closed beginning Monday, September 11, 2023 until further notice for renovations.  The City of Sturgis will begin a drawdown of the reservoir area upstream of their dam and hydroelectric plant on the St. Joseph River near Centerville, Michigan.  This drawdown is expected to impact the river by lowering water levels in an area from the dam upstream to Mendon, Michigan.  Water levels may be expected to rise downstream of the dam as far as Three Rivers.  The drawdown is necessary to perform needed repairs to the Langley Covered Bridge.  

The reservoir will be drawn down three feet over the course of several days, with a maximum drawdown rate of six inches per day.  Individuals with boats or other watercraft docked on the river should make necessary arrangements to move or secure these craft as the drawdown is expected to significantly lower the water level upstream of the dam. 

In order to protect hibernating wildlife along the impoundment shoreline and because the construction activities will not be complete prior to October 15, 2023, the impoundment, per Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) requirements, will remain in its lowered state until April 30, 2024. 

The process of returning the impoundment to its normal level is expected to start May 1, 2024.   As part of this process, the impoundment will be maintained at a level two feet below the normal level for a period of 30 days.  After 30 days, the impoundment level will slowly be brought back to the normal operating level.

If you have any questions regarding the drawdown, please contact Garrett Myland at (269)-467-6393 ext. 70 or Chris McArthur at (269) 659-7298.  Thank you for your understanding.

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