ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Concerns over erosion-related problems are continuing to rise along the shorelines of Lake Michigan.
Local officials are pointing out new issues that have come to light as a result of the erosion, which is due in part to rising lake levels.
During a meeting with the Natural Resources and Environment Subcommittee on Tuesday, February 25, Chairperson James Storey of the Allegan County Board of Commissioners spoke on his concerns within the county.
“The near-historic rise of the Great Lakes and the high winds which buffeted our Allegan County shoreline late last year exacted a telling toll on our communities and the residents who live there,” Storey said.
Storey believes that not enough is being done to address the issue.
“Except to speed up a too-slow permit process for shoreline property owners, precious little action has taken place to alleviate a shipwreck on the horizon for our fast-approaching summer tourism season,” Storey said.
Storey pointed out that some roads have been severely damaged due to the erosion, which has created new problems for homeowners.
“In Allegan County, our Lakeshore Drive county road has suffered serious damage that needs attention immediately and long term needs re-location,” Storey said. “Currently, some 12 homeowners are isolated because the roadway has been eroded to a dangerous passage level. Fire, sheriff and ambulance services are prevented from accessing the area.”
While temporary repairs would cost $800,000, Storey says that a permanent relocation would cost around $5 million.
Noting that these cost estimations are “daunting,” Storey is also concerned with how this will impact the tourism industry.
“Of even greater concern is the ugly condition of our shorelines littered with flotsam and jetsam tossed against our Lake Michigan shore by the wind-driven high water beating against our shores,” Storey said. “I think you will agree summer visitors will be shocked when they attempt to access the lake from littered beaches. They may well abandon our state as a place to spend their summer vacation.”
Storey also cited concerns of swimmers at risk from debris, or possible damage that boats could sustain.
Part of why an emergency hasn’t been declared yet is that a disaster event, such as a hurricane or earthquake, must have a start date and an end date.
“This disaster is ongoing, and if Corps of Engineers and NOAA predictions come true, it will continue for the year ahead,” Storey said. “Action is needed now, not after a so-called action task force meets and discusses the situation.”
All of this was meant to attempt to receive help from the state with erosion.
“We do our job before we ask for help, but we need the help of our State Government now,” Storey said.
However, disappearing roads and piling debris are not the only issues surrounding erosion – State Rep. Mary Whiteford, R-Casco Township, says debris is being trapped in area sewer systems.
“As the bluffs fall in, a lot of trees are falling into the water, and then getting pushed up against the shore, and it’s clogging drains,” Whiteford said.
As a result, Whiteford is also requesting additional financial assistance.
“One of the things that I have requested is some funds to help with communities to have grants to clear that [debris].”
Concerned homeowners can apply for a sandbag permit through the Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy website at https://miwaters.deq.state.mi.us/miwaters/external/home.
Although the department is helping with the sandbag project, officials note that this is not a long-term solution and homeowners should look at options to prevent erosion in the future.
“We need Michigan’s state government to engage in this emergency now, not some years ahead,” Storey concluded.
