Letter to Ken Calvert and Betty McCollum, Chairman of the Interior Subcommittee and Ranking Member of the Interior Subcommittee - Request for Funds for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI)

Letter

Dear Chairman Calvert and Ranking Member McCollum:

We are writing to respectfully request that you provide $300 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) in the Fiscal Year 2016 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.

The Great Lakes are a unique natural treasure and the largest system of fresh surface water in the world. The Lakes provide drinking water for nearly 40 million people, and are also an economic driver that supports jobs, commerce, agriculture, transportation, and tourism.

More than a century of environmental damage has taken a significant toll on the Great Lakes. Since the GLRI was launched in 2010, it has made significant progress in addressing the longstanding environmental challenges confronting the Great Lakes. To date, the program has been used to fund more than 2,000 projects to improve water quality, protect and restore native habitat, clean up toxic Areas of Concern, fight invasive species, and prevent beach closings.

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is showing real, measurable results. We urge you to continue this vital investment in the economic and environmental health of the Great Lakes. The $300 million we are requesting for this vital program is in line with the authorization level included in the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act that the House approved last year.

Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.

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