Stabenow: Senate Budget Makes Funding for Great Lakes a Priority

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow - Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 14, 2008		Contact: Press Office Phone: 202-224-4822

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) today announced Senate passage of the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget, which will pave the way for $175 million in critical investments for conservation, restoration and protection of the Great Lakes. This legislation signals a major victory for Michigan by recognizing the need to make crucial investments into one of our nation’s greatest resources. With communities across the state and region relying on the Great Lakes for their economic well being, this investment is important for creating jobs and ensuring a strong economy.

“Protecting our Great Lakes is not only critical to our economy, but to the very identity of our state and our nation,” said Stabenow.

As a member of the Senate Budget Committee, Senator Stabenow authored key provisions to properly invest in the Great Lakes. Stabenow worked to ensure the Senate budget included $77 million over the President’s request for investments in the Great Lakes – a resource that makes up over 90% percent of the nation’s surface water and serves as a source of drinking water for over 35 million people.

The Senate Budget lays the groundwork to invest in fisheries, toxin removal, and water quality and programs that fight invasive species. These programs include the Great Lakes Legacy Act, the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act, Great Lakes fishery and Ecosystem Restoration, Remedial Action Plan (RAP) Assistance, Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab and the Great Lakes Basin Program.