The Michigan Court of Claims dismissed a lawsuit against the State of Michigan regarding the May 2020 Edenville Dam failure, Attorney General Dana Nessel announced on Apr. 23. The court found that the state was not responsible for the disaster and that key allegations made by plaintiffs were not supported by evidence.
The decision addresses ongoing concerns about responsibility for the dam’s collapse, which sent a surge of water downstream and caused significant damage to surrounding communities and state resources. Many residents affected by the flood have sought accountability in court since the incident.
Attorney General Nessel said, “The Edenville Dam failure was tragic, and while the evidence has always shown the State was not responsible, we have taken decisive action against those who were.” She added, “We acknowledge the lasting impact this has on Mid-Michigan, and our thoughts remain with those affected.”
Following bankruptcy filings by dam owners after the disaster, Michigan officials allowed flood survivors to pursue assets from those owners without interference from state claims. However, Michigan continued legal action in federal court against Lee Mueller—the person in charge of operating the dam—and secured a nearly $120 million judgment in 2023 after findings that Mueller did not disclose concerns about vulnerability or implement planned safety measures.
In its ruling, the Court of Claims found that operational control always remained with private owners rather than with state agencies; no inspections during nearly a century signaled imminent danger at normal water levels; prompt action was taken when regulatory authority shifted from federal to state hands; and there was no withholding or concealment of information related to dam conditions. The court also determined environmental priorities did not outweigh public health or safety considerations.
Looking ahead, Nessel emphasized continued support for affected communities as recovery efforts proceed.