Great Lakes Article:

The U.S. House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee today approved full funding for the new $475 million Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which addresses threats to the Great Lakes, including invasive species, toxic pollution and habitat restoration.

The subcommittee also approved $2.3 billion nationally to help cities modernize wastewater infrastructure through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund – an increase of $1.6 billion over last year.

Almost 40% of these funds will go to Great Lakes states for improving water quality in the region.

“The action by the appropriation’s subcommittee charts a path for congressional action to restore the Great Lakes and revive the economy,” said Jeff Skelding, campaign director for the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition in a statement.

“This is Congress’ first step and we look forward to the full U.S. House supporting this funding later this month. The U.S. Senate must also follow suit so that region can roll up our sleeves and get to work restoring this great national resource.”

"Great Lakes restoration and economic recovery depend on collaboration on implementing our Great Lakes restoration plan among government, business, and citizen groups so that we can restore the largest surface fresh water resource in the world before the problems get worse and more costly."

Skelding said it’s too soon to know how the initiative could affect the Blue Water area.