Sediment removal will improve waterways and lakes for recreational boating, paddling, angling or just floating lazily on a hot summer day.

INDIANAPOLIS — Sediment problems on Lake Tippecanoe, Winona Lake and Lake Wawasee can now be addressed following the receiving of grant funding from the Department of Natural Resource’s Lake and River Enhancement program.

Lake Tippecanoe received a $48,000 grant and Winona Lake received $180,000 for sediment removal, while Lake Wawasee received $20,000 to develop a sediment removal plan.

The three lakes were among 11 projects chosen in a competitive process from applications submitted by local sponsors, who agree to share at least 20 percent of the cost.

The Lake Tippecanoe and Winona Lake grants were two of five projects chosen for actual sediment removal after at least a year of planning. Projects to dredge lake inlets or boating-access channels receive the highest priority for LARE funding.

Lake Wawasee was one of four grants chosen to develop a sediment-removal plan, the first step in any LARE dredging projects.

Two grants were given for logjam removal in Miami and Jackson counties.

“We look to fund projects that will improve waterways and lakes for recreational boating, paddling, angling or just floating lazily downstream on a hot summer day,” DNR Director Cameron Clark said.

LARE grants are funded through the LARE fee paid by boat owners annually when they register boats with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. This user-funded program benefits boaters all over the state. The grants allow for the completion of projects that would be difficult for local organizations to fund on its own.