LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Michigan is asking a judge to end pending litigation over the flooding that was caused by the Edenville Dam failure in 2020.

The state argues the case should be dropped because it is not responsible for the failure.

The state said it acted on information provided by the dams’ former owner, Boyce Hydro Power, and the companies they hired when it approved a plan to raise the level of Wixom Lake, which is cited as a contributing factor in the failure of the Edenville Dam.

Defense Attorney Ven Johnson said the state is trying to hide behind governmental immunity and not take responsibility for its part in the disaster that affected thousands of property owners.

“We’re trying to hold them responsible for what they’ve done, the devastation they’ve caused in Gladwin, in Midland and Saginaw counties,” Johnson said.

When the dam failed, 10,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes. In 2023, Lee Muller, the owner of Boyce Hydro, was ordered to pay $119 million.

Subscribe to our News 10 newsletter and YouTube page to receive the latest local news and weather. Looking to hire people, or grow your business through advertising? Gray Digital Media is your one-stop marketing solution. Learn more.