Extending Great Lakes protections in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters are introducing new legislation called ‘The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2024′.

The goal is to extend existing protections for the Great Lakes. The original Great Lakes Restoration Initiative was passed in 2010, but with this extension, the goal is to keep the program around until 2031 and increase funding levels from $475 million in 2026 to $500 million starting in 2027.

Stabenow says this legislation is important because the Great Lakes boost the state’s economy with Michigan’s tourism and farming industries. Since the bill first passed in 2010, lawmakers say so much has already been done.

“So whether it’s invasive species like carp, whether it’s runoff into the water that creates algae blooms, whether it’s other water quality issues, a whole range of things that we’ve done,” said Stabenow. “And in fact, over the years, so far, we have over 3000 different projects all over Michigan that have been funded. So now as I’m getting ready at the end of the year to invite Senate career, I want to make sure this keeps going.”

Along with protecting the Great Lakes from invasive species, the legislation also aims to protect the water from PFAS contamination and help the state look for ways to combat the effects of climate change.

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