Stauber’s Legislation to Reauthorize Funding for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Passes House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber’s (MN-08) American Water Stewardship Act passed the House unanimously. This bipartisan legislation will reauthorize funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) and several other long-standing programs to maintain and improve water quality across the nation.

 “The Great Lakes are not only national treasures, they are economic powerhouses that strengthen jobs, tourism, and communities across our region,” said Congressman Pete Stauber. “Protecting the Great Lakes has always been a top priority of mine, so I am proud to champion this bipartisan bill that keeps these precious natural resources and other American waterways safe, beautiful, and clean for generations to come.”

The GLRI provides the most significant investment in the Great Lakes ecosystem, targeting areas of concern, invasive species, non-point source pollution, and projects to support habitats and local species. More than 8,000 projects have been carried out through the GLRI program in partnership with states, non-profits, and other community partners, generating more than $3 in economic activity for every federal dollar invested.

In addition to the GLRI, the American Water Stewardship Act reauthorizes the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Long Island Sound and Columbia River Basin Restoration programs, the National Estuary Program, and the EPA’s Beach Act program, all of which will help address water quality issues and carry out ecosystem restoration projects. 

See Congressman Stauber speak on his bill on the House floor HERE.

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