Erosion Control Loans
Owners of property in the Coastal Erosion Area (CEA) designated along the shore of Lake Erie may be eligible for a low interest loan to cover the cost of constructing a shore erosion control measure. This guidance sheet includes information on the eligibility requirements, costs eligible to be covered under a loan, and application information.
Loan Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a loan, these four requirements must be met:
- Be in a designated Coastal Erosion Area (CEA)
A loan is available to the owners of properties that are wholly or partially in a designated CEA. The CEA consists of land areas along the shore that are anticipated to be lost due to Lake Erie related erosion. Specifically, the CEA covers land areas where recession is anticipated to exceed 9 feet in the next 30 years. The CEA is indicated on special maps of Ohio's Lake Erie shore.
These maps are available for viewing at township, village and city halls and at county planning commission departments for those municipalities, townships and counties having territory within the CEA.
Tabular data is also available so that you can determine the specific dimensions of the CEA as measured from your current bluff or bank. You may also contact the ODNR Office of Coastal Management toll free at 1- 888-644 -6267 to obtain a map of your area.
- Constructing an Erosion Control Structure
A loan is available only for construction of an Erosion Control Structure. For the purpose of loan eligibility, an Erosion Control Structure is considered to be a measure whose primary function is to reduce or control shore erosion. Examples include, but are not limited to: revetments, seawalls, bulkheads, certain breakwaters, and other similar protective measures. Loans may not be available for piers, docks, wharfs, marinas, boat ramps and other structures generally not considered to be constructed for the purpose of reducing or controlling erosion, although its presence may effect the processes that cause erosion.
- Be constructed after June 1, 1998
A loan is available to property owners who plan to construct an Erosion Control Structure or who constructed an Erosion Control Structure after the CEA was officially designated on June 1, 1998.
Loan applicants must demonstrate that construction of an existing Erosion Control Structure was started on or after June 1, 1998.
- Have all permits and authorizations
All appropriate authorizations must be obtained before a loan can be made. Various federal, state and local authorities require a permit or authorization be obtained before construction of a shore erosion control structure. A summary of the permits and authorizations that frequently pertain to construction of a shore erosion control structure is provided in Coastal Guidance Sheet No. 1: Coastal Regulations. Any construction activities that occurred prior to issuance of the necessary authorizations are not eligible for a loan. Loan applicants must provide proof that all necessary authorizations were obtained prior to construction of an existing erosion control structure.
Costs Eligible to be Covered under Loan
The following costs may be included in the Loan amount:
- Costs incurred for hiring a registered professional engineer or surveyor to prepare construction documents for the installation of an erosion control structure. Some authorizations require the preparation of plans and specifications by a registered professional engineer, or may require the services of a registered professional surveyor.
- Costs incurred in obtaining the necessary authorizations; such costs include the payment of fees to federal, state and local authorities, and charges by design professionals who have been authorized to seek the approvals on behalf of the property owner
- Costs of materials, earthwork, labor and equipment needed to construct the erosion control structure. These costs may include oversight of the project by a professional engineer or surveyor.
Loan Application Information
The loans are available through the county where the property in the CEA is located. Contact the following participating county representatives for further information or a loan application:
Erie County
Erie County Regional
Planning Commission
2900 Columbus Avenue
P.O Box 1180
Sandusky, Ohio 44870
419-627-7792
Lake County
Lake County
Commissioners Office
105 Main Street
P.O. Box 490
Painesville, Ohio 44077
440-350-2366
Lorain County
Lorain County Community
Development Department
Lorain County
Administration Bldg.
226 Middle Avenue
Elyria, Ohio 44035
440-329-5302
440-329-5605
Lucas County
Board of County Commissioners
Lucas County, Ohio
One Government Center, Suite 800
Toledo, Ohio 43604-2259
419-213 -4510
Ottawa County
Ottawa County Regional
Planning Commission
315 Madison Street,
Room 107
Port Clinton, Ohio 43452
419-734-6779