Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) and Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) introduced the American Water Stewardship Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize funding for several long-standing programs to maintain and improve water quality throughout the nation, including the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI).
“The Great Lakes are not only national treasures, but economic powerhouses, and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative helps keep these waters clean and safe for all Americans to enjoy,” said Congressman Stauber. “Lake Superior is the backdrop of countless special memories for many Minnesota families, and I am proud to work on legislation that will preserve and protect these waters for future generations.”
“The Great Lakes are one of the best things about living in Michigan. They’re important to our jobs, how we spend our time off, and our drinking water; so many things depend on the health of the Great Lakes,” said Congresswoman McDonald Rivet. “I’m working with Democrats and Republicans to make sure the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative keeps going so we have this treasure for generations.”
In addition to the GLRI, the American Water Stewardship Act reauthorizes the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Long Island Sound and Columbia River Basin Restoration programs, the National Estuary Program, and the EPA’s BEACH Act program. All of these programs will help address water quality issues and carry out ecosystem restoration projects around the country.
Background: The GLRI provides the most significant investment in the Great Lakes ecosystem – the largest system of fresh surface water in the world – targeting Areas of Concern, invasive species, non-point source pollution, and projects to support habitats and local species. More than 8,000 projects have been carried out through the GLRI program in partnership with states, non-profits, and other community partners, generating more than $3 in economic activity for every federal dollar invested through the GLRI program.
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