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Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02), Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force, led a bipartisan letter to the Commanding General of the Army Corps of Engineers about the imminent threat Michigan residents are facing along the shores of the Great Lakes due to high water levels and erosion. The letter reinforces the need to streamline the permitting process at both the state and federal level to ensure property owners can implement safety measures to protect their homes and livelihood.

“With water levels in the Great Lakes at historic highs, residents across the state are facing imminent threats to property, infrastructure, and shorelines due to the resulting erosion. Many of our constituents are in critical need of installing shoreline protection projects to safeguard their homes and families,” the bipartisan group of lawmakers wrote. “As representatives of the Great Lakes State, we strongly request the USACE to proceed with all possible urgency as the Corps evaluates and reviews shore protection permits. Our communities are facing an imminent threat and we must all work together to provide expedited solutions.”

Joining Congressman Huizenga on the letter are Representatives: Jack Bergman (MI-01), Justin Amash (MI-03), John Moolenaar (MI-04), Fred Upton (MI-06), Tim Walberg (MI-07), Andy Levin (MI-09), Paul Mitchell (MI-10), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), and Brenda Lawrence (MI-14).

Below is the text of the letter from members of the Michigan Congressional Delegation. A signed PDF copy of the letter is available here.

Dear Lieutenant General Semonite:

Thank you for the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) commitment to ensuring public safety while providing technical expertise and assistance during this time of high water levels around the Great Lakes.

With water levels in the Great Lakes at historic highs, residents across the state are facing imminent threats to property, infrastructure, and shorelines due to the resulting erosion. Many of our constituents are in critical need of installing shoreline protection projects to safeguard their homes and families.

As you are aware, permits are required from both the State of Michigan and the USACE prior to the placement of any shore protection mechanisms.

Recently, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced that they will be expediting permits for shoreline protections to homes or structures that are in danger. This is an important step to ensuring that property owners can navigate the permitting process more effectively and efficiently during this time.

As representatives of the Great Lakes State, we strongly request the USACE to proceed with all possible urgency as the Corps evaluates and reviews shore protection permits. Our communities are facing an imminent threat and we must all work together to provide expedited solutions.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this request.