Gov. Holcomb Pledges Support for Eroding Lake Michigan Shoreline

INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced he signed an executive
order directing state agencies to pursue collection of damage information
that could lead to a declaration of disaster emergency along the Lake
Michigan shoreline. He also outlined steps state agencies will take to
provide assistance along the shoreline. The executive order is attached.

Gov. Holcomb surveyed the Lake Michigan shoreline via Indiana State
Police helicopter on Sunday and observed conditions along the entire
shoreline including Beverly Shores, Ogden Dunes, Portage and Long Beach.

“Our administration has been monitoring the erosion along the Lake Michigan
shoreline but I wanted to see the damage firsthand,” Gov. Holcomb said. “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.”

Gov. Holcomb took this photo of Lake Michigan erosion in Long Beach.

The executive order calls for:

* Indiana Department of Homeland Security 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
* IDHS to seek other federal funding, programs or assistance that may
be available for short-term and long-term mitigation projects
* IDHS and Indiana Department of Natural Resources to make every
effort to identify additional means, methods and ways to provide necessary
and appropriate assistance
* DNR to continue to expedite its review and granting of governmental
permits requested by property owners so they can initiate projects to
protect their properties along the shoreline as quickly as possible
* IDHS to develop and launch a webpage to share updates and new
information

The State of Indiana has already taken steps to help address and
respond to the situation with coordinated efforts between IDHS and DNR.
State officials have visited the affected areas on several occasions to
observe the damage. DNR signed a letter of support for the Great Lakes
Resiliency Study, which is an effort by Great Lakes states and federal
partners to find strategies to improve the shoreline. DNR, DHS, local
officials and members of Indiana’s congressional delegation have
participated in training with FEMA to ensure a proper understanding of the
federal Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

Relevant state leaders will continue to communicate and collaborate
with local, state and federal partners.

Gov. Holcomb took this photo of Lake Michigan erosion in Beverly Shores.