In Detroit, Stabenow, Peters Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Renew and Expand Funding for the Great Lakes

Statement

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI) today announced their bipartisan legislation to renew and expand funding for the Great Lakes at a press conference on Belle Isle. The Senators were joined by Marie McCormick, Executive Director of Friends of the Rouge, Anne Brasie, Executive Director of the Clinton River Watershed Council, and David Howell, Chairman of Friends of the Detroit River to highlight the importance of GLRI funding to our lakes and waterways on Belle Isle and across Southeast Michigan.

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2019 will reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which is set to expire at the end of Fiscal Year 2021, for another five years. The bill increases the current authorization level from $300 million to $375 million in Fiscal Year 2022 and increases funding by $25 million per year until it reaches $475 million in Fiscal Year 2026.

"Our Initiative has made a real difference across Michigan by funding hundreds of projects with proven results," said Senator Stabenow, co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Great Lakes Task Force. "Republicans and Democrats agree - the best way to tackle the challenges and threats to our water is to continue investing in the health of our Great Lakes and waterways."

"The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is a proven success and effective in preserving our Great Lakes," said Senator Peters. "We must build on existing efforts by passing this bipartisan legislation to extend and increase funding for this vital initiative, which helps restore habitats, combat invasive species as well as clean and prevent pollution."

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