State Rep. Beth Griffin, of Mattawan, this week participated in a roundtable discussion with several colleagues coordinating ideas to address the soil erosion disaster along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, caused by record high water levels which continue to climb.

Griffin said it is vital that the legislature continues its discussions on this issue.

“Our communities have faced significant damage from these high water levels,” Griffin said. “It’s so important we stay proactive and work together to limit the destruction caused by erosion in the future.”

Griffin is monitoring legislation that would allow people to immediately begin the process of protecting their property without having to obtain an individual permit.

Lawmakers wait for the governor’s response after sending a letter with the request for an emergency declaration at the end of 2019. The plan would also ensure a homeowner’s property taxes would not increase based on those developments, as the work would be considered maintenance and not an improvement.

“I am committed to looking at all of the options to assist our families and business owners,” Griffin said. “My colleagues and I are not taking this issue lightly – we are considering all options to help our communities as we focus on the next steps.”

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Beth Griffin discuses ways to help people living along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, which has been experiencing record high water levels for the past year.