Portman applauds advancement of Great Lakes funding bill

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), vice-chair of the Great Lakes Task Force, recently applauded the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee advancement of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act, which he co-authored with U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL).

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) seeks to counteract the ecological and economic threats to the Great Lakes basin through results-driven projects. In the past, the initiative has reduced the threat of invasive species, pollution and toxic contamination, among others. Environmental restoration project undertaken through the GLRI have been responsible for the de-listing of three Areas of Concern, or formerly contaminated sites.

“This initiative has been an incredibly successful tool for our Lake Erie protection and restoration efforts,” Portman said. “We must protect our Great Lakes not only for their environmental well-being, but also for Ohio’s economy and I will continue to work for passage of this bill.”

Under last year’s Ominbus Appropriations bill for FY2017, the GLRI received $300 million to continue its operations and address the remaining 27 Areas of Conern in the Great Lakes Basin. Portman's and Kirk’s recently advanced bill continues that momentum by authorizing $300 million annually for the initiative.