The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has awarded $5 million to nine local communities in Erosion Emergency Assistance Grants. The Bass Islands Erosion Control Project was awarded the largest amount, receiving $1,450,000 for three separate projects to be addressed with the funding.

The Deist Road Stabilization project includes construction of a 1,450-foot armor stone revetment to protect Deist Road on Middle Bass Island. Road floods frequently and embankment is severely eroded. Eroded material washes up on road surface during storms.

The Scheeff East Point Preserve project includes construction of a 1,350-foot nature-based shoreline to protect Scheeff East Point Preserve on South Bass Island.

The Cleveland East Point Preserve project includes construction of a 950-foot nature-based shoreline to protect eroding Cleveland East Point Preserve on Middle Bass Island.

“The shores of Lake Erie are one of the most dynamic natural resources in the state, and they need our protection,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “This funding will help communities better care for the coastal area of Lake Erie.”

“High water levels have caused a great deal of erosion and cost people on the shores of Lake Erie a lot of land,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz.  “These grants make it possible for communities to safely care for the Lake Erie coast, which is a real treasure for Ohioans.”

Other erosion control great recipients included: Cuyahoga County, $1,000,000, Beulah Park-Euclid Beach Access & Protection Project; City of Mentor, $930,101, Mentor Coastal Erosion Project; Village of Geneva-on-the-Lake, $560,800, Geneva Township Park Erosion Mitigation Project; City of Lorain, $371,339; Stormwater Outfall Emergency Repairs; City of Euclid, $300,000; Euclid Waterfront, Eastern Shoreline Stabilization; City of Willoughby, $200,000, Osborne Park Erosion Control; City of Eastlake, $160,500; Galalina Emergency Shoreline Protection Repair; Village of Lakeline, $27,260, Lakeline Village Erosion Control.