After holiday storm campus crews keep MSU moving

A powerful summer storm that swept across Michigan over the Fourth of July weekend also battered MSU, felling trees, snapping branches and knocking out power to several campus buildings. Before the weather front had even passed, Infrastructure Planning and Facilities crews were already working to restore campus.

Statewide, damage from the storm’s 70 mph wind gusts reportedly left more than 300,000 homes and businesses without power.

On campus, IPF worked throughout the holiday weekend and responded to nearly 100 storm-related service requests, coordinating closely with the Department of Police and Public Safety and external utility providers to restore power, remove debris and keep the university operating safely.

Landscape crews cleared fallen trees from roads and walkways, while facilities staff responded to power outages and delivered generators to affected buildings. Damage reports also included fallen trees near Kedzie Hall and Bogue Street, damaged fencing at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, downed power lines near Collins Road and numerous temporary road signs blown over by the storm.

“There was a lot going on, but we’re well prepared. This is nothing new for us,” said Kelly Feister, facilities service center manager for IPF.

Cleanup efforts continue this week as crews remove debris and repair any damage to the campus landscape. Whenever possible, wood from downed trees is mulched and reused across campus, while trees that are lost are ultimately replaced as part of MSU’s ongoing landscape stewardship.

To report a concern regarding a building, the grounds or other infrastructure on campus, call team members of ContactIPF at 517-353-1760 or email cipf@msu.edu.