Michigan DEQ announces $700,000 in grants for Great Lakes projects

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced Monday the distribution of more than $700,000 in grants for coastal project along the Great Lakes, with the funds provided by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.

“We look forward to enhancing state and local partnerships through these initiatives and projects,” DEQ Office of the Great Lakes Director Jon Allan said. “The DEQ continues to provide strong leadership and advocacy for our coastal resources by fostering environmental stewardship, encouraging innovative methods for understanding and communicating coastal challenges, and serving as partners in economic development.”

Eleven communities received grants, including East Bay Charter Township, Casco Township, Ottawa County Parks, the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments, Central Michigan University, Heart of the Lakes, the Department of Natural Resources’ Parks and Recreation Division, Easter U.P. Regional Planning and Development, the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, the city of Sault Ste. Marie, and Spring Lake Township.

The DEQ also awarded grants to three projects: the Michigan Association of Planning’s initiative to assist local communities on coastline protection, the Alliance for the Great Lakes efforts to reduce litter and pollution on beaches, and the Michigan Boating Industries Association’s Michigan’s Clean Marina Program.