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Regional groups set priorities for Great Lakes Day

The Great Lakes
Great Lakes Today
/
WBFO News

March 2 marks the observation of Great Lakes Day, a virtual event that brings together a binational coalition of regional agencies, legislators, local communities, tribes and business, maritime and environmental groups.

On Thursday, the groups released a list of this year's shared priorities for restoring the Great Lakes and supporting the region's economy.

The agenda urges Congress and the Biden administration to appropriate no less than $400 million for the Great Lakes Restorative Initiative in 2023, in addition to the supplemental investment through the recent federal infrastructure legislation. The groups also want an investment in drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure to tackle what groups called historic inequities, as well as support for federal programs to address harmful algal blooms.

Also important is enhancing the region’s resiliency to the impacts of a changing climate, developing coordinated regional science and workforce opportunities, strengthening Great Lakes ports and the maritime transportation system and protecting the Great Lakes basin from invasive carp and other aquatic invasive species.

A series of virtual topical sessions on Great Lakes priorities will also be featured throughout the week of Feb. 28-March 4. The Great Lakes are home to 20% of the world's fresh water supply.