Applications open for Lake Michigan Coastal Program grants, La Porte County coastline eligible

LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. -- The Indiana Department of National Resources announced applications are now open for its competitive annual grants from the Lake Michigan Coastal Program, which aims to protect, preserve, and restore natural, cultural, and historical resources within Indiana’s Lake Michigan watershed.

The DNR is currently accepting pre-proposals from local governments, regional and state agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations.

DNR officials say the program funds may be used in many project categories, including public access or habitat improvements, land acquisition, planning and coordination, education and outreach, and applied research.

Officials also add projects must be entirely located within the LMCP area, which includes the boundary of the Lake Michigan watershed.

DNR officials say this includes the northern portions of Lake, Porter, and La Porte Counties.

Officials with the DNR say applicants not within the watershed boundary must demonstrate how their project would benefit the LMCP area.

The DNR states the program is allocated around $600,000 per year and reports the LMCP has provided over $13 million to local partners for projects since 2003.

According to the DNR website, they will accept pre-proposals until Friday, October 4.

You may find the pre-proposal form and guidance for filling out the application under "Applying for Grants" on the LMCP grants website.