BERRIEN COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Historically high lake levels are pummeling Lake Michigan shorelines, and local officials are looking for more help to combat the rising tides.
Last Thursday, the Berrien County commission approved a resolution asking Governor Whitmer to declare the Lake Michigan shoreline a disaster zone. The move would free up funds from State and Federal government to stabilize properties from ongoing erosion.
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy recently sped up the permitting process and is offering homeowners assistance with temporary barriers like sandbags.
Commissioner Ezra Scott, who represents the area around New Buffalo, says that long term fixes are needed but homeowners will take any help they can get.
“[Citizens] have to protect their own property, so they’re still getting these permits, and they’re usually now issued within 24 hours from what I’m told,” Scott said. “That’s a huge, huge deal. That takes 89 days off the permit process.”
The goal of the resolution would be to have Whitmer ask for additional help from the Trump administration.
— Copy Written by Josh Scott. —
