Chicago – The Initiative for Resilient Great Lakes Coasts (IRGLC), a partnership between the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative (GLSLCI) and the NOAA Office of Coastal Management, funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, today announced a new round of projects advancing through the program. These projects, including those in Alpena and Rogers City, will help shoreline communities design and implement nature-based solutions to strengthen coastal resilience, protect vital public spaces, and restore critical habitat across the Great Lakes basin.

Since its launch, IRGLC has supported over 25 projects with technical assistance, stakeholder engagement, and community-driven design. Several of the newest projects are now moving into advanced stages of engineering and design, protecting vulnerable shorelines from erosion and flooding while improving habitat and recreation access.

In Alpena, shoreline stabilization work near the city’s water treatment plant and improvements to Starlite Beach will protect critical infrastructure and popular recreation areas from fluctuating water levels, wave energy, and stormwater challenges.

“Alpena’s future depends on clean water and safe public spaces. By protecting our water treatment plant and Starlite Beach, we are securing both for decades to come,” said Mayor Cindy Johnson.

In Rogers City, the Lakeside Park Beach restoration project is tackling stormwater management, dune restoration, and sand migration at one of the community’s most popular public parks. With improved stormwater outfalls, raised boardwalks, and expanded native vegetation, the project will enhance both ecological function and recreation at this 10-acre lakeside hub.

“Rogers City is proud to lead on coastal resilience. At Lakeside Park, we’re showing how nature-based solutions can improve water quality, strengthen habitat, and keep our community beach thriving for generations,” said Mayor Scott McLennan.