Politicians weigh in on lake shore erosion crisis

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- With water levels and erosion at record high along Berrien County’s shoreline, local mayors and Michigan’s 6^th district U.S. Representative held a joint discussion on what they gathered Thursday.

Congressman Fred Upton (R-Saint Joseph) toured areas most affected alongside Mayors Marcus Muhammad of Benton Harbor, and Michael Garey of Saint Joseph, respectively.

Upton touts a proposed house bill he’s co-sponsored along with Reps. John Katko (R-NY) and Anthony Brindisi (D-NY), called the SHORE Act.

The bill would make government agencies FEMA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study what can be done to stop or decrease the crises of erosion and high water levels in Berrien County’s beloved waterways, Upton said.

“This would require the corps of engineers to study the economic impact of recreational harbors as they look to try and assist, (or) other things they might be able to do throughout the Great Lakes,” Upton said.

“These high water levels are unprecedented.”