The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced it will award a $122,691 non-matching grant to the Village of Wind Point for green infrastructure improvements at the Wind Point Lighthouse Beach. The improvements will involve beach nourishment, installing a butterfly/hummingbird garden and native vegetation, and building a limestone pathway and cord-walk. The work is expected to be completed in 2017 with the exact schedule depending on obtaining permits.
The beach improvements were recommended in the Beach Water Quality Report 2010-2012 produced by the Racine Health Department. The report identified opportunities to improve stormwater quality near the beach, enhance aesthetics and increase public access. Dr. Julie Kinzelman, Adrian Koski, Joel Brunner and Sarah Wright from the City of Racine Health Department Laboratory were instrumental in producing the water quality report and providing information necessary for the grant. The green infrastructure improvements help advance one of the Village’s overarching priorities which is to protect and enhance our natural assets. Look for project updates in future newsletters!