Drains in Michigan were first established to provide drainage for roads that were built for access to interior regions of the state. Subsequent laws led to the drainage of swampland for crop production and the expansion of agricultural activities. In 1898, Public Act 254 was enacted, giving the responsibility of constructing and maintaining the drains to an elected Drain Commissioner. Most of the drains in Montcalm County were established in the late 1800's and early 1900's. These original drains had a huge impact on the way Montcalm County is shaped today.
Currently, there are more than 180 established county drains in Montcalm County, adding up to more than 460 miles of drains.
Please click here to locate your property on the Equalization page to determine what drains may effect your property and assessments. When viewing the parcel map, make sure to turn on the "County Established Drains" layer to view the drains. Maps of each drain and district can be located on the "County Drain Maps" link to the left.
If you would like to receive notices about a specific drain, lake board, or committee, please send a written request to Anne Gaylord by email or by mail to the Drain Commission.
For drain payoff amounts, please email Anne Gaylord. Please make sure to include parcel numbers and property addresses.