Great Lakes Restoration Project - Ohio Department of Natural ...

Great LakesThank You, Congress!America’s Great Lakes are more than waterbodies.They are a vast, complex system ofinland seas that provide fresh water tomillions, access to world markets and diverserecreation for residents and visitors alike.In 2001, Congress appropriated $30 million toacquire and restore critical habitat, implementstorm water controls and clean contaminatedsites along Lakes Erie, Huron, Michigan, Ontarioand Superior.Thus began an unprecedentedpartnership between the federal government andthe eight Great Lake states to restore andclean the world’s largest fresh water resource.The federal commitment required states toprovide match at a rate of 25%. Instead, theGreat Lake region has thus far committed $42million of state and local match – at a rate of58% – to produce $72 million of restorationwork along the Lakes and their tributaries.Federal State/LocalState Allocation Match TotalIllinois $1,750,000 $3,100,825 $4,850,825Indiana 1,750,000 591,875 2,341,875Michigan 7,000,000 16,646,000 23,646,000Minnesota 1,938,000 1,054,000 2,992,000New York 4,727,000 10,592,000 15,319,000Ohio 4,489,000 1,686,000 6,175,000Pennsylvania 1,846,000 1,582,000 3,428,000Wisconsin 5,686,000 6,962,000 12,648,000Other (fed.) 814,000$30,000,000 $42,214,700 $72,214,700The projects supported by this partnershipare so significant – and the need to restore theGreat Lakes is so profound – that this is thefirst time the eight Great Lakes coastalprograms have come together to report on asingle issue.Together with our local partners,we are creating a cleaner, more sustainableGreat Lakes region.However, more work is needed along thecoasts of our Great Lakes!State and community response to the 2001federal appropriation was overwhelming ascoastal managers proposed more qualityprojects than could be funded. Now is thetime to build on our momentum and supportnew Great Lakes’ restoration efforts.Thankyou, Congress, for recognizing the importanceof the Great Lakes and providing criticallyneeded resources for their restoration.GREAT LAKES RESTORATION PROJECT [1]