CHIPPEWA COUNTY, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has awarded more than $855,497 in 2026 Michigan Coastal Management Program (MCMP) grants.
As connectors and collaborators, the MCMP advances research and resilient planning methods, and seeks balanced approaches to a sustainable coastline. The funds will advance ten projects that support the efforts of coastal communities, non‑profit organizations, and Tribal Nations to protect, preserve, restore, enhance, and develop coastal resources along the longest freshwater coastline in the nation.
Following are the 2026 MCMP Grant recipients:
- Heart of the Lakes, Bay County, $59,502.00 grant to produce a video series promoting coastal conservation.
- City of South Haven, Van Buren County, $17,500.00 grant to update the city’s zoning ordinance to address coastal erosion via shoreline protection strategies.
- Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission, Ottawa County, $50,000.00 grant to improve public access and protect wetlands habitat within the Rosy Mound Natural Area.
- The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, Grand Traverse County, $15,615.00 grant to develop nature-based solutions to coastal erosion at Sutton’s Bay Coal Dock Park.
- City of Saugatuck, Allegan County, $20,000.00 grant to create conceptual plans to improve public safety and public access to Oval Beach.
- Pentwater Township, Oceana County, $67,880.00 grant to create plan to address wind-erosion of beach sand at the township park and neighboring State Park.
- Bay Mills Indian Community, Chippewa County, $150,000.00 grant to create design for marina rehabilitation of the Bay Mills Indian Community Marina.
- City of Bridgman, Berrien County, $150,000.00 grant to enhance public access at its popular Weko Beach boardwalk.
- Oscoda Charter Township, Iosco County, $250,000.00 grant to enhance public access and manage wind-erosion of beach sand at its popular Oscoda Beach Park.
- Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit, Wayne County, $75,000.00 grant to complete the transformation of nature-based strategies for addressing stormwater flooding at Jefferson Village Park.
For more information, visit the MCMP webpage at Michigan.gov/CoastalManagement.
