[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 115 (Friday, July 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING MIO HYDRO FOR 100 YEARS OF SERVICE

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                           HON. DAN BENISHEK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2016

  Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize 100 years of 
service from the Mio Hydro facility, named after the adjacent town of 
Mio and located on the lower Au Sable River. During that time it has 
provided reliable power to thousands of families and businesses in 
Oscoda County, Michigan.
  In the early 1900's, Consumers Energy founders, William A. and James 
B. Foote sought out to harness the energy of the Au Sable River to 
power the mills and growing cities of the surrounding area. Between 
1911 and 1924, six hydroelectric dams were constructed.
  Mio Hydro was the fourth dam constructed and was completed in 1916. 
This facility was unique in that it was the first hydroelectric dam to 
utilize an under-sluice spillway. Invented and patented by Consumers 
civil engineer, William W. Tefft, the design allows excess water to 
flow through conduits built into the foundation of the powerhouse 
instead of through an above ground gated spillway. This new design was 
proven to lower construction costs and increased the plant's power 
production.
  This year I am pleased to join all the Consumers Energy employees and 
retirees to commemorate 100 years of clean, reliable and renewable 
energy generated by this facility. A century of service is a testament 
to the dedicated men and women that have kept watch over Mio and 
supplied power to generations of Michiganders.
  Congratulations on this great achievement.

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