Kelly Lauds Funding Increase for Great Lakes Restoration
Washington, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) outlined its plan to use a $20 million increase in FY2020 funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) released this statement after the announcement:
"I am proud to support the ongoing effort to preserve and restore the Great Lakes, which are among America's most valuable natural resources. Lake Erie is part of western Pennsylvania's identity and provides us with numerous economic and recreational opportunities, so I thank the Trump Administration and the EPA for their continued commitment to keeping the Great Lakes great for future generations."
Background
Congress provides money for the GLRI annually through the EPA, which shares funding with other federal agencies as part of a larger effort to preserve and restore the Great Lakes. The EPA considers a variety of criteria when determining how best to use GLRI funding, including GLRI Action Plan III, congressional directives, and agency priorities.
Funding Allocations
According to the EPA, the additional FY2020 funding will be used for the following purposes:
- $7.5 million for accelerating cleanup of designated areas of concern.
- $5 million for research and development of ballast water treatment systems for cargo vessels that operate on the Great Lakes.
- $2 million to support the Great Lakes Trash Free Waters Grant Program]
- $5 million to support state efforts to reduce excess nutrient loads, restore habitats, and prevent invasive species.
- $500,000 for Great Lakes National Program Office operations.
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