CHICAGO (May 21, 2026) – A while back, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing $260,000 in grant funding that Michigan will use to monitor water quality at beaches and to notify the public if elevated levels of bacteria make swimming unsafe.  

“Michigan communities rely on vibrant lakeshores to power summer traditions and local economies,” said EPA Regional Administrator Anne Vogel. “Today’s support strengthens on-the-ground science and local partnerships so families can enjoy the water with confidence all season long.” 

This funding is authorized by the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act and advances EPA’s goals of enhancing cooperative federalism and ensuring that every American has access to clean and safe water, two key pillars of EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative. 

Learn more about BEACH Act grants. 

Before heading to the beach, check the relevant state, Tribal or territorial beach program website for closing or advisory information. 

Background 

To be eligible for BEACH Act grants, states, Tribes, and territories must have coastal or Great Lakes recreational waters adjacent to beaches or similar points of access used by the public. They must also have a water quality standards program and EPA-approved numeric recreational water quality standards for coastal waters. Additionally, eligible entities must meet 11 performance criteria for implementing the monitoring, assessment, and notification components of their beach program. Each grantee receives an amount based on the length of the beach season, the number of miles of shoreline and the populations of coastal counties.  

EPA Region 5:
Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians $50,000 
Grand Portage Band of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe $50,000 
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community $50,000 

Illinois $232,000 
Indiana $205,000 
Michigan $260,000 
Minnesota $203,000 
Ohio $216,000 
Wisconsin $220,000