The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee advanced a bill reauthorizing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative through 2031. The bill would increase annual funding levels from $475 million in 2026 to $500 million from 2027 through 2031. The bill next will be considered by the full Senate. Identical legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives.
“The GLRI is the most significant investment ever made to restore and protect the Great Lakes and its watersheds, which continue to be threatened by invasive species, climate change and other stressors,” GLRI said in a statement. “It is making significant progress in restoring the ecosystems and economies of the region — and according to a study led by the GLC, every $1 spent is generating an estimated $3.35 in additional economic activity.”
