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The 'Great Lakes Restoration Initiative' Headed to Congress with Revived Great Lakes Task Force

Writer's picture: Scott WayScott Way

Lake Huron, Ontario / Photo- Michael Rodock & Unsplash
Lake Huron, Ontario / Photo- Michael Rodock & Unsplash

In a strong move to protect North America's largest freshwater resource, U.S. Representative Dave Joyce (R-Ohio) has introduced the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2025.


The act is aimed to extend funding for the program through fiscal year 2031 since it is set to expire in 2026. The bill increases the 2026 funding from $475 million to $500 million starting in fiscal year 2027.


The act focuses on addressing critical water quality issues in the Great Lakes, including algae blooms, pollution, erosion, and other marine hazards. Since 2010, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has provided more than $4.1 billion to fund 8,000 projects throughout the Great Lakes region.


“The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative supports efforts that confront direct threats facing the lakes like harmful algal blooms, water pollution, invasive species, and coastal erosion,” said Congressman Joyce, Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force, in a press release.


“I am proud to not only introduce this bill as my first piece of legislation this Congress, but also relaunch the bipartisan Great Lakes Task Force in the House of Representatives. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to protect and preserve the national treasure that is the Great Lakes ecosystem.”


“The GLRI is crucial for addressing unmet needs in our region and ensuring clean, safe drinking water for millions of people who rely on the Great Lakes for their livelihood, recreation, and leisure,” added U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), a fellow member of the Great Lakes Task Force.


Along with the bill's introduction Joyce also revived the Great Lakes Task Force with other representatives. The task force will lead efforts to safeguard the recreational, economic, and environmental benefits that the Great Lakes provide to millions of Americans.


According to studies from the University of Michigan included in the press release, the GLRI has shown an impressive return on investment by generating $3.35 in economic activity for every dollar spent.


“Studies from both Grand Valley State University and the University of Michigan show how the economic health of the Great Lakes is directly tied to their ecological well-being. In fact, according to the University of Michigan, for every $1 invested in the Great Lakes through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, $3.35 of economic output is produced," said Congressman Bill Huizenga, Republican Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force.


"The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is the leading federal program designed to clean up legacy pollution, restore habitats, and combat invasive species across the basin. I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort to fund the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and make preserving, protecting, and strengthening the Great Lakes a national priority.”


The proposed legislation has garnered support from over 20 organizations and is endorsed by Great Lakes Commission, American Sportfishing Association, Healing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition, National Parks Conservation Association, American Great Lakes Port Association, Environmental Law & Policy Center, Western Reserve Land Conservancy, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Alliance for the Great Lakes, National Wildlife Federation, The Nature Conservancy, Ohio Environmental Council, National Audubon Society, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Great Lakes Fishery Commission, League of Conservation Voters, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Clean Wisconsin, Great Lakes Business Network, and Save the Dunes. #news



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