Representative Andrews advocates keeping sandbags for Lake Michigan shoreline protection

In a significant move to support shoreline property owners, the Michigan Legislature is considering House Bill 4835, which would allow residents to retain sandbags placed during the high water levels of 2020. Sponsored by Representative Andrews, the bill addresses ongoing erosion issues along the Lake Michigan shoreline, particularly affecting homeowners from New Buffalo to Saugatuck.

During the meeting, Representative Andrews highlighted the challenges faced by homeowners due to the high water levels that caused severe erosion, threatening their properties. The temporary solution of sandbags has proven effective in stabilizing dunes and preventing further damage. As water levels have receded, many sandbags continue to serve their purpose, with dunes beginning to recover around them.

The current requirement to remove these sandbags, mandated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), has created complications for homeowners. Andrews pointed out that enforcing removal on a case-by-case basis is inefficient and costly, with estimates suggesting that reinstallation of sandbags could exceed $1.5 million for affected homeowners.

The proposed legislation aims to provide a more sustainable solution by allowing homeowners to keep the sandbags in place, thereby protecting their properties from future high water events. Andrews emphasized that this approach not only preserves the integrity of the dunes but also alleviates financial burdens on residents, many of whom are not affluent and may have inherited their homes.

The bill reflects a growing recognition of the cyclical nature of water levels in the Great Lakes and the need for practical solutions that balance environmental concerns with the realities faced by local communities. As discussions continue, the outcome of this legislation could have lasting implications for shoreline management and property protection in Michigan.