An application from the city of St. Joseph for a coastal management grant has the backing of the Berrien County Board of Commissioners. During a Wednesday meeting the board approved a resolution stating the county’s support for the Michigan Department of Energy, Great Lakes, and Environment Coastal Management Program grant. The county this year worked with the city to prevent shoreline erosion at the south edge of Silver Beach, and Thursday’s resolution says the board “is interested in partnering with the City of St. Joseph on this grant application and is supportive of its intent, to reduce wave energy offshore, enhance the effectiveness and cost efficiency of beach nourishment, and allow for a much more walkable and accessible natural soft sandy shoreline.” The county administrator has been instructed to submit a letter of support for the city’s grant application.
