North Michigan News

Yesterday, lawmakers in the Great Lakes region introduced the bipartisan Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2024, which aims to extend the critical program for another five years through 2031. The bill also seeks to increase annual funding levels from $475 million in 2026 to $500 million from 2027 through 2031. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) is considered the most significant investment ever made to restore and protect the Great Lakes.

Representative Jack Bergman, who represents Michigan's First District, emphasized the importance of protecting the Great Lakes, stating, "Those of us who call Michigan home know the importance of our water and the need to protect, preserve, and restore this treasured natural resource." Bergman expressed his pride in working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advocate for continued funding for the GLRI.

Senator Debbie Stabenow, Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, reflected on the success of the GLRI since its inception in 2010, saying, "The creation of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is one of the most important actions of my legislative career. This bill will ensure the stability and future of the program as we address new emerging threats to our Great Lakes and waters."

Ohio Senator J.D. Vance also emphasized the significance of the Great Lakes and the need for continued protection, stating, "The Great Lakes are an invaluable asset to the people of Ohio – I’m proud to partner with Senator Stabenow on legislation that will continue to protect them for generations to come."

The legislation has garnered support from a wide range of stakeholders, including the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, Great Lakes Commission, Alliance for the Great Lakes, League of Conservation Voters, National Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club, National Parks Conservation Association, and many others. These organizations recognize the importance of the GLRI in addressing threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem, such as invasive species, algal blooms, water pollution, and coastal erosion.

The GLRI has already made significant strides in protecting and restoring the Great Lakes. It has focused on efforts to stop the spread of invasive species, restore coastlines and habitats, clean up environmentally damaged areas, and prevent future contamination. By extending the GLRI, lawmakers aim to ensure that these vital efforts can continue and address new and emerging threats to the lakes and waterways.

With the Great Lakes providing more than 1.5 million jobs, supplying 90 percent of the nation's fresh surface water, and generating $62 billion in wages annually, it is clear that protecting this invaluable resource is crucial. The bipartisan effort to extend the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative demonstrates the commitment of lawmakers to preserve the Great Lakes for future generations.