St. Joe-Benton Harbor News

Sen. Kim LaSata (R-Bainbridge Township) has introduced a bill to address beach nourishment along the Great Lakes after a recent tour of the shoreline of Lake Michigan to see the local erosion.

LaSata, along with other leaders in New Buffalo and St. Joseph, toured the shoreline and said the erosion has reached a critical juncture.

“Beach erosion caused by rising water levels has washed away yards of beachfront over the past two decades and has now reached a point of seriously threatening homes and infrastructure,” said LaSata, according to MiSenateGOP.

Sen. Kim LaSata | #MiSenateGOP

“Property owners and local governments alike have been searching for solutions, but without proper permitting processes, they have been reluctant to proceed. The need and desire to protect and replenish natural shorelines are strong, and my legislation would help establish an official process to save our beaches, homes and infrastructure before it’s too late,” LaSata told MiSenateGOP.

The senator’s bill, Senate Bill 974, would establish a process for permits and regulations for beach replenishment at state parks and recreation areas and also residential property and municipality-owned areas along the Great Lakes shorelines.

Beach nourishment would add sand on, or adjacent to, an eroding beach, allowing sand to shift and move with currents and waves, according to the Army Corps of Engineers.

Local leaders praised the legislation.

“This legislation would be wonderful and an answer to our prayers,” said New Buffalo Township Supervisor Michelle Heit, according to MiSenateGOP. “It would help put the pieces of the puzzle together by establishing an official permitting process that will satisfy both EGLE and homeowners and local governments to pursue beach nourishment projects and overcome a horrible situation that’s been decades in the making.”

The state Department of Energy, Great Lakes and Environment would also inspect the sites where sand would be deposited and extracted to ensure public health, environmental risks and safety are considered.

SB 974 awaits a hearing after it was referred to the Senate Natural Resources Committee.