Posted on June 6, 2022
Chicago IL —Today, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Chicago District, the U.S. EPA’s Great Lakes National Program Office, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan (IN-1), and East Chicago Mayor Anthony Copeland marked the conclusion of the Jeorse Park Beach project.
“We cannot underestimate the importance of environmental restoration actions that create an immediate improvement for the economic future of our region.” Rep. Mrvan said. “Congratulations to Mayor Copeland and all the leaders of East Chicago and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for your dedication to invest in the long-term sustainability and biodiversity of the Northwest Indiana environment.”
This project restored nearly 40 acres of essential habitat for fishes, migratory birds, reptiles and amphibians while increasing dune acreage and stability. After a long and successful partnership with the City of East Chicago, we’re excited to put the operation and maintenance of this project in their hands, so that residents and visitors to this beach will be able to enjoy it for many years to come.
“This work continues the Corps’ commitment to the region to deliver sustainable and innovative solutions to ecosystem restoration and protection challenges.” Col. Paul Culberson, USACE Chicago District commander, said.
“EPA congratulates the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and the City of East Chicago on completing this GLRI-funded habitat improvement project in the Grand Calumet River Area of Concern,” said Chris Korleski, the Director of EPA’s Great Lakes National Program Office. “This is yet one more example of how excellent partnerships and GLRI funding are resulting in the restoration of the Great Lakes and Great Lakes communities. ”
This project was undertaken through Section 506 of the Water Resource Development Act of 2000 – better known as the Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration Program. USACE partners with the EPA through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to complete projects like this that provide long term benefits not only to the ecosystems of the Great Lakes but also to the people of this community.
