Projects will use nature-based solutions to address coastal hazards and support habitat and species goals prioritized by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
Chicago, IL, September 30, 2024 – The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have selected Ashland (WI), Green Bay (WI), Two Harbors (MN) and Oscoda Township (MI) for engineering and design support through the Initiative for Resilient Great Lakes Coasts. These initial projects intend to use nature-based solutions to improve over a mile of shoreline and restore nearly 50 acres of habitat.
Over 20 projects were proposed by 14 communities across three states. Over the next year, the Cities Initiative, NOAA and technical partners from Dewberry and LimnoTech will work with mayors and staff of the selected communities to plan and design their habitat-focused projects that address coastal challenges and improve climate resilience.
“We have long struggled with flooding, stormwater runoff, and consequent water quality issues along the East River in our city. We are looking for long-term solutions that add value to the community and environment,” said Mayor Eric Genrich of Green Bay. “We are excited to work with the Cities Initiative and NOAA to continue to improve our sustainability and resilience to climate change.”
“So often communities don’t have the resources they need to plan and design restoration and green infrastructure projects,” says Jeff Payne, Director of NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management. “NOAA is excited to get to work helping these five communities take major steps towards building resilience and addressing climate change impacts.”
About the Initiative for Resilient Great Lakes Coasts
In addition to increasing awareness of coastal hazards and nature-based solutions, this program creates a pipeline of near shovel-ready, nature-based coastal resilience projects and partnerships that will sustain future coastal resilience efforts. This initiative was funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) and has already supported over 30 communities and provided engineering and design services for nine projects. Additional funding in FY24 and FY25 provided through the GLRI will allow additional local projects to advance with engineering and design support. Read more about the initiative here offsite link.
About the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative
The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative is a multinational coalition of U.S. and Canadian mayors and chief elected officials dedicated to the environmental, social and economic health of communities in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin. With more than 270 members, the Cities Initiative is the largest local government driven organization in the basin focused on issues impacting residents.
About NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management
NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management is the federal arm of the U.S. efforts to sustainably manage the nation’s coastal zone. Housed within NOAA’s National Ocean Service, the Office for Coastal Management oversees major initiatives that include the National Coastal Zone Management Program, the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, the Coral Reef Conservation Program, and the Digital Coast.
Media Contact:
Christine Maydossian
Director of Government Relations
Leliken Strategy Advisors
cmaydossian@leliken.com
