February 2010
Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) applauded an EPA plan that spelled out the Administration’s plan to help restore and renew the Great Lakes.
This week the Environmental Protection Agency released their Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan, a 40-page document which demonstrated a renewed commitment to the Great Lakes.
“I’m pleased to see the EPA making a real commitment to the Great Lakes and our local tributaries; the Genesee River, Buffalo River and Rochester Eighteenmile.” said Slaughter. “They understand that this is the biggest source of freshwater in the world and the economies of cities from here to Minnesota on both sides of the border are dependent on these Lakes. What’s most important is that they’re not just talking about more money for a study, but action on invasive species, cleanup of the water and beaches and are looking to do more than prevent harm, but to leave the Lakes in a better place for the next generation.”
Specifically, the report draws special attention the Genesee River in Rochester and names the Buffalo River and Rochester Eighteenmile as designated areas of concern which designates a special focus by the EPA.
In addition to the $475 million Congress allocated to the program in FY2010 and the $300 million proposed by the Administration in the FY2011 budget, this report expresses the Administration’s support for another $475 million each year for the next three years.
Prior to the Obama Administration, funding for the Great Lakes had remained approximately $60 million per year.
A portion of the report reads:
“The Action Plan…is intended to realize our goals: that the fish are safe to eat; the water is safe to drink; the beaches and waters are safe for swimming, surfing, boating and recreating; native species and habitats are protected and thriving; no community suffers disproportionately from the impacts of pollution; and the Great Lakes are a healthy place for people and wildlife to live.” (page 5)
The full report can be found at
http://greatlakesrestoration.us/action/wp-content/uploads/glri_actionplan.pdf