IONIA, Mich. (WZZM) - Consumers Energy says their hydroelectric dam on the Grand River near Muir had nothing to do with the weekend flood downstream at the B-93 Birthday Bash in Ionia
The utility says the Webber Dam doesn't hold back or release water, it just directs the Grand River over turbines to generate electricity.
Experts say the Maple River that flows into the Grand between the dam and Ionia is a more likely explanation. The Maple River was full of rainwater after three rounds of storms Friday.
"I noticed the Maple and Grand were both extremely high," recalls Rick Steele, who lives near the rivers in Muir. "I just had a hunch we were going to be in trouble down in Ionia with the Birthday Bash.
Over 1,000 cars are still marooned in the parking lot at the Ionia fairgrounds. The city manager says the river must recede before owners can claim their vehicles.
He also says repair bills are between the car owners, their insurance companies and radio station B-93.
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