Press Release For Immediate Release Friday, September 01, 2006 Wisconsin Department of Administration Office of the Secretary Contact: Scott Larrivee, Public Information E-Mail: scott.larrivee@wisconsin.gov <mailto:scott.larrivee@wisconsin.gov> Phone: (608) 266-7362 Governor Doyle Proclaims September Coastal Awareness Month in Wisconsin $1.5 Million in Grant Funds Available to Help Coastal Projects Governor Jim Doyle has proclaimed September as Coastal Awareness Month in Wisconsin to acknowledge the importance of the state's 820 miles of coastline along Lakes Michigan and Superior and encourage a heightened appreciation of the Great Lakes resources. "The scenic beauty and economic power of the Great Lakes are a big part of what makes Wisconsin a wonderful place to live," Governor Doyle said. "I'm pleased to once again designate September as Coastal Awareness Month in order to remind everyone of the important role we all play in preserving and protecting our Great Lakes resources so they may be enjoyed by future generations." Protecting the Great Lakes has been a priority for Governor Doyle since he took office. As chairman of the Council of Great Lakes Governors, Governor Doyle led the effort to sign ANNEX 2001- an agreement to promote water conservation and protect the Great Lakes waters from diversion to places like Arizona or Las Vegas. He has also led the fight against invasive species, and used his veto pen to protect grant dollars used by coastal communities to guide future growth in a way that protects and enhances the Great Lakes coasts. To further that work, Governor Doyle today announced that the Department of Administration is currently accepting applications for approximately $1.5 million in grant funds local communities and groups can use to enhance, preserve, protect, and restore their coastlines. Available through the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP), the grants are awarded on a competitive basis to a variety of projects related to Coastal Land Acquisition, Coastal Wetland Protection and Habitat Restoration, Nonpoint Source Pollution Control, Coastal Resources and Community Planning, Great Lakes Education, and Public Access and Historic Preservation. Eligible applicants include local and tribal governments, nonprofits, academic institutions, and state agencies. All applications are due by November 3, 2006. To assist potential grant applicants, WCMP staff will be traveling around the state to conduct grant workshops at the following locations: * Milwaukee: September 6, 1:00 p.m., Port of Milwaukee, 2323 S. Lincoln Memorial Drive * Sheboygan: September 13, 1:00 p.m., Harbor Centre, 821 Broughton Drive * Ashland: September 21, 1:00 p.m., Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, 29270 CTH G Applicants are encouraged to contact WCMP staff to discuss ideas for project proposals and application requirements. Beach Sweeps and Coastal Activities In addition to grant workshops, the WCMP and local organizations will take part in a variety of activities throughout September. These events include the Grand Opening of Pier Wisconsin in Milwaukee September 8-10, as well as community "Beach Sweeps" in Milwaukee, Racine, Bayfield, and Stockton Island (part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore). A complete list of Coastal Awareness Month activities as well as coastal grant applications are available on the WCMP Web site at http://coastal.wisconsin.gov <http://coastal.wisconsin.gov/>.
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