PHOTO BY TOM GILL/FLICKR
On February 20, after observing the damage and erosion along Lake Michigan’s lake towns of Beverly Shores, Ogden Dunes Portage and Long Beach shorelines, Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb signed an executive order directing state agencies to pursue the collection of damage information that could lead to a declaration of disaster emergency. He also outlined steps that state agencies will take to provide assistance along the shoreline.
“Our administration has been monitoring the erosion along the Lake Michigan shoreline but I wanted to see the damage firsthand,” says Gov. Holcomb. “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.”
Specifically, the order calls for the “Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) to immediately notify the Office of the Governor if the damage criteria, set by the federal government, is met to allow the State of Indiana to apply for federal disaster assistance so the Governor can issue an executive order declaring a disaster emergency.”
In addition, the order calls for “IDHS to seek other federal funding, programs or assistance that may be available for short-term and long-term mitigation projects.”
To learn more and to read the executive order, visit calendar.in.gov/site/gov/event/gov-holcomb-pledges-support-for-eroding-lake-michigan-shoreline/.
