Michigan high water mark bill draws Republican intraparty criticism
Updated Feb 23, 2021;
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LANSING, MI Legislation that would simplify seawall permitting during high water periods on the Great Lakes and codify the state’s authority to regulate structures at the beach has drawn some intraparty fire from Republicans who are upset the bill no longer allow property owners to install erosion protections without getting a permit.
Senate Bill 61 is sponsored by Sen. Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville. It’s backed by state regulators under Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who called the Republican legislation a “compromise” they support out of a desire to clear up jurisdictional confusion around the state’s authority to manage shoreline protection structures like boulder revetments.