SOUTH HAVEN, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — With near-record high water levels causing damage across the Lake Michigan shoreline, some local governments are taking steps to combat the rising tides.
The City of South Haven says that necessary repairs from erosion damge could cost that community between $8.5 million and $16 million after commissioning a study by the consultant firm Abonmarche.
Potential area of concern outlined in the report include city marinas, damage to stormwater drainage, and threatened utility systems.
That report has been shared with the city council and harbor commission, as officials ponder whats the most effective course of action for the future.
The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners approved a resolutuion on Tuesday, January 14th asking the state to declare a state of emergency to due ongoing erosion. That came after the passage in November of a similar measure by Berrien County.
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has predicted that after higher than usual levels the past year, Lake Michigan may rise farther still in 2020.
The city of South Haven will hold a meeting on February 3rd to discuss with the public findings from the report and planned actions.
