Federal Money Coming To Wind Point to Aid Beach, Abate Water Runoff

WIND POINT -- Will they get the rocks right?

The distinctive rocky beaches on the Wind Point Lighthouse grounds are getting a significant boost from the Federal Government after the Environmental Protection Agency announced it was awarding several Wisconsin communities a total of $815,294 in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grants.

The grant money means that Wind Point ($122,691) will install bio-infiltration, plant native vegetation and replenish beaches at Wind Point Lighthouse Beach to reduce fecal pollution and prevent some 195,000 gallons of untreated storm water from reaching Lake Michigan.

The five communities awarded grants were Algoma, Ashland, Manitowoc, Two Rivers and Wind Point. The funding will go towards projects to improve public health and water quality at municipal swimming beaches by preventing untreated storm water from getting into the Great Lakes.

“I am proud to champion strong funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative because it’s a critical program for our region, the health of our communities, and the protection of our clean water resources – combating invasive species, cleaning up polluted sites and restoring water quality.” said U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.). “I applaud the announcement of these federal investments in Wisconsin communities.”