The Lake Michigan Coastal Program (LMCP) supports coordination and partnerships among local, state, and federal agencies and local organizations for the protection and sustainable use of natural and cultural resources in the Lake Michigan region. Through the LMCP, Indiana participates in the Coastal Zone Management Program with 33 other coastal states and territories to protect, restore, and responsibly develop Indiana's coastal area.
Development of the LMCP will make more than $1 million (based on the proposed 2002 Congressional budget) available annually to implement the LMCP and for grants to communities in northwest Indiana. Examples of how these funds might be used include:
- Protection and restoration of significant natural and cultural resources.
- Programs to prevent the loss of life and property in coastal hazard areas.
- Improved public access for recreational purposes.
- Revitalized urban waterfronts and ports.
- Improved coordination among government agencies in policy and decision-making processes.
- Pollution prevention initiatives, including non-point source pollution into coastal waters.
Coastal Program Area
The Lake Michigan Coastal Program is based on a watershed approach. The boundary for the program, the Coastal Program Area, includes those areas that drain into Indiana's portion of Lake Michigan. The Coastal Program Area defines the areas that will be eligible to participate in the program. More information about the Coastal Program Area can be found in Chapter 3 of the Lake Michigan Coastal Program document.
Coastal Program Area (PDF)
Coastal Program Area (ZIP file containing GIS shapefiles)
