ANN ARBOR, Mich. (August 2, 2021) – The bipartisan Senate infrastructure bill, if passed, would add $1 billion to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) over the next five years, adding significant investment to the program for its efforts to clean up toxic hotspots in the Great Lakes, address invasive species, reduce nonpoint source pollution, and restore fish and wildlife habitats and species. The deal also includes over $10 billion for water infrastructure and $3 billion for lead pipe replacement for the next fiscal year. Earlier this year, Congress increased GLRI annual appropriation to grow from $300 million to $475 million over five years. The $1 billion increase is in addition to any annual appropriations.

Mike Shriberg, Great Lakes Regional Executive Director for the National Wildlife Federation, issued the following on-the-record statement in response:

“This bipartisan proposal represents a significant investment in clean water and further demonstrates how our Great Lakes can unite us across party lines. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is only successful if we invest in it, and this bill represents a major step forward in meeting the needs for restoration.  This funding will go a long way toward restoring the greatest source of fresh water on the planet. Restoration is only meaningful if Great Lakes residents have access to clean, safe, affordable water. Therefore, the GLRI and water infrastructure investments are inextricably linked. Clean drinking water keeps our families safe and clean Great Lakes sustain our economy, our wildlife, and our way of life. We thank the bipartisan group of senators in the Great Lakes region who are supporting this critical funding.”