Gov. Evers, DOA Announce $1.3 Million in Grants for 35 Wisconsin Coastal Communities in Celebration of Coastal Awareness Month

“From Ashland to Racine, and all along Wisconsin’s more than 800 miles of Great Lakes coastline, coastal communities are some of the greatest economic drivers of our state, attracting countless visitors and residents for recreation, economic opportunities, and so much more,” said Gov. Evers. “Today’s investment works to ensure these vital communities have the tools and resources they need to thrive, address climate change, expand public access to our coastal resources, and preserve our coastlines for future generations of Wisconsinites.”  

Gov. Evers declared September as “Coastal Awareness Month,” and a copy of the governor’s Coastal Awareness Month proclamation is available here.

A complete list of grant recipients and projects is available here. An interactive story map with details about some past coastal grants is available here. Of the 35 Wisconsin Coastal Management Grant awardees, projects range from statewide efforts to develop local coastal resiliency and habitat restoration plans, development of program materials to finalize the designating of the Bay of Green Bay as a National Estuarine Research Reserve, construction of a new boat launch and dock in the city of Two Rivers, measures to combat the spread of invasive species in Door County, promoting accessibility at the state’s natural areas, addressing water contaminants and quality concerns in the city of Ashland, and developing various educational programs that allow for kids and adults alike to learn more about Wisconsin’s coastal ecosystems.

Recipients for this year’s grants were recommended by the Wisconsin Coastal Management Council, a governor-appointed citizen and governmental advisory group. The funds are part of Wisconsin’s federally funded Coastal Management Program, which is essential in continuing future coastal resilience efforts.  

“Every year, we see incredible partnerships and collaboration with intergovernmental and private sector groups that are just as committed as our Wisconsin Coastal Management Program to enhancing public access, sustainable use practices, community development, habitat restoration, and pollution control,” said DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld. “We’re grateful to Gov. Evers for his continued support of our coastal communities.”  

Since 1978, the WCMP has balanced natural resource protection and sustainable economic development along Wisconsin’s Great Lakes coasts. The program awards federal funds from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office for Coastal Management in the U.S. Department of Commerce to local governments and other entities for innovative coastal initiatives. 

The next round of grants from WCMP is available to apply for now, with an application deadline of Nov. 3, 2025. More information about the WCMP and how to apply can be found on DOA’s website here.