Stauber Calls on T&I Leadership to Consider the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act Before Conclusion of 118th Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) joined Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03), a fellow Great Lakes legislator on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, in urging Committee leadership to consider H.R. 7257, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2024 before the conclusion of the 118th Congress.
Congressman Stauber stated, “Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes are national treasures, a key pillar of our economy, and the backdrop of countless special memories for my family and many others. Protecting the Great Lakes has always been a top priority of mine and I am proud to advocate for this bipartisan bill that will support ecosystem restoration, combat the spread of invasive species, and keep our waters clean. This bill has already passed the Senate, so it is imperative that the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee quickly mark it up, opening the door for a vote in the House of Representatives.”
Congresswoman Scholten stated, “When seeking ways to preserve our natural treasures, doing so without breaking the bank is top of mind for this frugal Dutch mom. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is crucial to protecting Lake Michigan’s ecosystem–and the economy that depends on its cleanliness – and it is a responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Every dollar of GLRI funding results in approximately $3.35 in economic activity–I don’t know many deals that are better than that! The common-sense nature of this bill makes it easy to find common ground, so I am proud I can work with my Republican colleague–Mr. Stauber–to advocate for the program’s extension.”
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) has long enjoyed bipartisan support to ensure the preservation of the Great Lakes, as well as the public health of neighboring communities. H.R. 7257 would reauthorize the GLRI through Fiscal Year 2031 and it would expand the GLRI’s authorization level from $475 million to $500 million.
In 2023, Congressman Stauber was named Great Lakes Legislator of the Year by the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force for his work to protect these waters and all those who live on their shores.
Read the full letter HERE.
###