History of Midland, Michigan in Timeline

"Midland is a city in Michigan, serving as the county seat of Midland County. As per the 2020 census, the city had a population of 42,547. Midland holds the distinction of being the primary city within the Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area, which itself is a component of the more extensive Saginaw-Midland-Bay City Combined Statistical Area."

May 30, 1936: Jack Barstow Municipal Airport Dedicated

On May 30, 1936, the Jack Barstow Municipal Airport in Midland, Michigan was dedicated. This general aviation airport, operated by the city, serves general aviation aircraft.

1967: Dow Chemical Nuclear Reactor Achieves Criticality

In 1967, Dow Chemical achieved criticality on a 100 kW nuclear research reactor at its Midland facility. The reactor was primarily used as a neutron source and for sample irradiation, and it continues to operate.

1968: Construction Begins on Midland Nuclear Power Plant

Consumers Power initiated the construction of a nuclear power plant in Midland, Michigan in 1968. The plant, primarily intended for Dow Chemical Company, had an initial budget of $257 million and was expected to be completed in 1972.

1969: Midland Urban Growth Area (MUGA) Established

In 1969, the city of Midland, Michigan established the Midland Urban Growth Area (MUGA), a two-mile territory surrounding the city limits. This was an attempt to manage urban sprawl by controlling water services to communities outside the MUGA.

1972: Expected Completion of Midland Nuclear Plant

The Midland Nuclear Power Plant, under construction since 1968, was initially projected to be completed in 1972. However, the project faced significant construction challenges and delays, pushing back the completion date.

1979: Three Mile Island Accident Impacts Midland Plant

The Three Mile Island nuclear accident in 1979 had significant repercussions for the Midland nuclear plant project. The accident led to major changes in nuclear regulatory requirements, necessitating costly redesigns and contributing to the project's delays.

1984: Midland Nuclear Plant Project Abandoned

After years of delays, escalating costs, and the discovery of structural issues, Dow Chemical terminated their contract for the Midland nuclear plant in 1984. The project's failure, with a $4.1 billion investment, nearly led to the bankruptcy of Consumers Power.

1985: Partnership Formed to Convert Nuclear Plant

In a bid to salvage the abandoned Midland nuclear plant, Consumers Power formed a partnership with eight other companies in 1985. Their goal was to convert the facility into a gas-fired power plant.

1986: Transformation of Nuclear Plant Begins

The conversion of the abandoned Midland nuclear plant into a gas-fired power plant commenced in 1986. This $500 million project aimed to repurpose the facility and mitigate the financial losses incurred from the failed nuclear project.

1991: Revision of MUGA Policy

Midland's MUGA policy, established in 1969, was revised in 1991 through a series of Urban Cooperation Act Agreements with neighboring townships. This allowed for case-by-case redrawing of the MUGA line and the sale of water to surrounding townships without requiring annexation.

1991: Midland Cogeneration Venture Begins Operation

The Midland Cogeneration Venture, a gas-fired power plant converted from the abandoned nuclear plant, began producing power in 1991. This successful transformation restored confidence in Consumers Power and the plant now supplies a significant portion of Michigan's power.

May 19, 2020: Sanford and Edenville Dam Failures

On May 19, 2020, the Sanford and Edenville dams in Midland, Michigan failed, causing a major flood event. The failure led to the evacuation of 10,000 Midland residents, with predictions of significant flooding. Michigan's Governor declared a state of emergency in response.