Governor signs executive order to protect Lake Michigan shoreline

February 25, 2020

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed an executive order mandating state agencies take a series of steps to protect the Lake Michigan shoreline from the effects of rising water levels.

According to the governor’s office, the water level in Lake Michigan is currently near a record high, causing “significant” erosion and other adverse impacts.

Because of the high water levels, storms are having “harsher impacts on the shoreline,” affecting many communities, including Ogden Dunes, Beverly Shores, Long Beach and Portage.

“Our administration has been monitoring the erosion along the Lake Michigan shoreline but I wanted to see the damage firsthand,” Holcomb said in a press release. “I signed an executive order to initiate new action steps and further express our dedication to preserving one of our state’s crown jewels for all those who live, work and play along the shoreline.”

Executive order 20-01 orders the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to develop and launch a web page to with shoreline information, apply for FEMA aid to protect and reinforce shoreline infrastructure and coordinate response to areas that request aid.

The executive order also commands the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to expedite the authorization of emergency repair projects and identify other ways to help.

Governor signs executive order to protect Lake Michigan shoreline

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