Funding for Lake Maxinkuckee and Bass Lake improvements is included in this year’s round of Lake and River Enhancement grants. Lake Maxinkuckee was awarded $100,000 for wetland levee reconstruction. Bass Lake will get $35,000 for shoreline stabilization.
In all, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is giving out more than $1.2 million in LARE grants this year, funding projects on seven lakes and 15 rivers and streams in 23 counties. Those projects will have to be completed within two years.
The DNR says most of the projects are designed to improve water quality by addressing the flow of sediments and nutrients, but the wetland projects will also improve wildlife habitats and reduce flooding. In LaPorte County, $100,000 was awarded for wetland creation at Trail Creek, along with $24,000 to design and build a bioswale for Trail Creek’s west branch.
The LARE program is funded by boat owner registration fees collected by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. LARE grants also require a match from each project’s local sponsor.
