State Representative Beth Griffin of Mattawan is working with other west Michigan lawmakers to help address shoreline erosion issues along Lake Michigan. She tells WSJM News she took part in a round table discussion last week with several members of the state House. Griffin wants to help make it easier for property owners to respond.
“I’m monitoring legislation that would allow people to immediately begin the process of protecting their property without having to obtain an individual permit,” Griffin said.
Griffin has also signed on to a letter asking the governor for an emergency declaration. She says the jury is still out on whether that declaration can be obtained. Lawmakers who took part in last week’s discussion want to form a task force to talk with the various legislative committees as they seek help.
“Mother Nature is her own force, and of course government cannot do everything, but we can try to better use the resources that are already available and brainstorm about news ways that we can help support the community as they try to recover.”
Another idea is legislation that would seek to ensure a property owner’s taxes don’t go up as a result of things they have done to prevent erosion. Griffin says she and her colleagues “are not taking this issue lightly.”
