The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) began in 2010 as a way to mitigate damage to the Great Lakes and its watersheds. The initiative was authored by Sen. Debbie Stabenow to help stop the spread of Asian carp and other invasive species. It was also designed to restore fisheries and wildlife habitats, as well as clean up beaches and prevent future contamination. The program is set to expire in 2020, and Stabenow, along with 12 U.S. Senators, 41 U.S. representatives, including 12 members from Michigan have introduced a new bill. The 2019 act reauthorizes the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for another five years and increases its funding level from $300 million to $475 million by fiscal year 2026. Sen. Stabenow said, Renewing and expanding funding should be a no-brainer. She went on to say the proof is in the incredible Great Lakes Restoration projects she recently saw first-hand while traveling across Michigan, and in the citizens and volunteers who stepped up across our state to implement these projects.
