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In: Budget, canada, Climate change, Collaboration, Feature Homepage, indigenous communities, Latest News, News, Ontario, Quebec, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Canada commits $340 million to Indigenous protected areas, guardians programs

By Matt Simmons, The Narwhal

This story originally appeared in The Narwhal and is republished here as part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story.

The Canadian government is investing $340 million to support Indigenous guardians and Indigenous Protected Areas as part of its commitment to conserving 30 per cent of the country’s lands and waters by 2030.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/canada-340-million-indigenous-protected-areas-guardians-programs/

The Narwhal

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In: Budget, Chicago, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, New York, News Roundup Drinking Water, Ohio, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Drinking Water Roundup: Biden administration invests millions in rural water, treatment plant uses ultraviolet, lead pipe removal in Flint

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

Keep up with drinking water-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • Discolored water, manganese in Carlinville a recurring problem – WICS

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (WICS) — High levels of Manganese in the city of Carlinville’s water is causing the water to turn brown, stain clothes, and more.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/drinking-water-biden-rural-infrastructure-lead-pipe/

Rachel Duckett

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In: Budget, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, News Roundup Energy, Ohio, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Energy News Roundup: US invests in wave energy, Celebrities urge Biden to stop Line 3, Company seeks damages for Keystone XL cancellation

Keep up with energy-related developments in the Great Lakes area with Great Lakes Now’s biweekly headline roundup.

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • Illinois coal plants are closing even as fossil fuel objections stall energy bill again – Energy News Network

In a surprise announcement last Thursday, NRG said it would close its Waukegan and Romeoville coal plants, but the community impacts are unclear as “just transition” provisions remain held up in state energy bill negotiations.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/energy-investments-biden-line-3-keystone-xl-cancellation/

Noah Bock

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In: AP, Budget, Climate change, infrastructure, Latest News, News
Report: Great Lakes region needs about $2B for flood repairs

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Shoreline cities and towns in the Great Lakes region will be spending heavily in coming years to fix public infrastructure damaged by recent flooding and erosion, with estimated costs approaching $2 billion, officials said Thursday.

Communities already have poured about $878 million into repairs over the last two years, according to the results of a survey by the Great Lakes and St.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-report-great-lakes-region-flood-repairs/

The Associated Press

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In: Budget, Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, Duluth, Feature Cleveland, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Feature Milwaukee, Gary Wilson, Grand Rapids, Illinois, Indiana, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Milwaukee, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wisconsin
Investing in the Lakes: New bill could redirect tech money to neglected Great Lakes cities

As President Joe Biden tries to advance his high-profile legislative agenda in a sharply divided Congress, a low-profile bill that could help the Great Lakes region is progressing with bipartisan support.

If passed, it could finally help the region shake its Rust Belt image.

The legislation is the U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/legislation-investment-tech-research-great-lakes-cities/

Gary Wilson

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In: Budget, COVID-19, Feature Homepage, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, outdoor recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Tourism
Great Lakes Trails: Relief funds spark new investments into outdoor recreation

With a rebounding economy and plenty of federal relief funds, states across the country are finding themselves with extra money to spend.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer yesterday announced a proposal to spend $150 million of relief funds from the American Rescue Plan on state and local parks and trails.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/great-lakes-trails-new-planned-recreation/

Noah Bock

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In: AP, Budget, Feature Homepage, infrastructure, Michigan, News
Michigan lawmakers propose $500M to repair dams after breach

By David Eggert, Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan lawmakers on Wednesday proposed spending $500 million to repair aging dams a year after a hydroelectric dam failed to hold back floodwaters in the Midland area, causing more than $250 million in damage, draining lakes and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/ap-michigan-lawmakers-500m-repair-dams/

The Associated Press

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In: biden administration, Budget, Buffalo, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Chicago, Climate change, Collaboration, COVID-19, Detroit, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, New York, News, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Quebec, The Provinces, The States, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, water shutoffs, Wisconsin
Water Access: As moratoria on shutoffs end, old problems return to the forefront

As moratoria expire across the Great Lakes region, advocates say ongoing affordability and debt relief are key.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/water-shutoffs-debt-infrastructure/

Kari Lydersen

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In: Budget, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Climate change, Collaboration, Detroit, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, water levels, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
In flooded Michigan neighborhoods, who should pay for sea walls?

For two straight summers, residents of Detroit’s Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood watched water pour into basements and pool in streets, a result of coastal flooding that will become increasingly common throughout the Great Lakes as climate change progresses.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/climate-change-flooded-michigan-neighborhoods-pay-sea-walls/

Bridge Michigan

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In: biden administration, Budget, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Climate change, Collaboration, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan’s Rural Water Systems Confront Generations of Inadequate Investment

A critical juncture is reached for providing water to rural communities around the region.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/michigan-rural-water-systems-generations-inadequate-investment/

Circle of Blue

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In: Agriculture, Algae Blooms, Budget, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, harmful algal blooms, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, Lead, News, Ohio, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wetlands
H2Ohio: Agency directors focus on wetlands, farmer subsidies, replacing lead lines

The first full-year report for Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s much-publicized H2Ohio water quality initiative is out.

Introduced in 2019, the plan has already reaped benefits for Ohio residents and will continue to expand in its scope, according to officials charged with its implementation.

The report was offered in a web presentation by Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Dorothy Pelanda, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Director Laurie Stevenson.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/h2ohio-agency-directors-wetlands-lead-agriculture/

James Proffitt

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In: Budget, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Groundwater Contamination, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, Pennsylvania, PFAS, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Quebec, Traverse City, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Pennsylvania water utility sues 3M, Dupont, Michigan officials waited 8 months to warn residents

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/pfas-news-pennsylvania-utillity-michigan-officials-wait/

Natasha Blakely

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In: Budget, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, dams, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Midland, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Michigan dams need ‘immediate attention’ to prevent next failure

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/michigan-dams-immediate-attention-prevent-next-failure/

Bridge Michigan

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In: biden administration, Budget, canada, green infrastructure, infrastructure, Latest News, News, Ontario, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Quebec, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Cross-border Concerns: Biden administration a new opportunity for Canadian cooperation over Great Lakes

Great Lakes watchers were pleased that newly elected President Joe Biden’s first phone call to a foreign leader went to Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, hoping the call signals the beginning of more harmonious relations in the basin.

The previous four years under Donald Trump had been rocky.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/cross-border-biden-administration-canada-cooperation-great-lakes/

Andrew Reeves

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In: Budget, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News
High Demand for New Michigan Water Infrastructure Grants

By Brett Walton, Circle of Blue

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/high-demand-new-michigan-water-infrastructure-grants/

Circle of Blue

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In: Algae Blooms, AP, Budget, harmful algal blooms, lake erie, News, Ohio, wetlands
Highlights of Ohio governor’s proposed 2-year spending plan

By Farnoush Amiri and Andrew Welsh-Huggins, Associated Press/Report For America

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine unveiled a two-year, $75 billion state budget on Monday that includes a $1 billion initiative to help bring the state back from the economic downfall of the pandemic.

The budget proposal was crafted “with the goal of emerging even stronger from the COVID-19 pandemic,” DeWine said as he announced the plan with Lt.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/ap-highlights-ohio-governor-proposed-2-year-spending-plan/

The Associated Press

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In: Budget, Habitat Restoration, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Your Federal Tax Dollars: How they are funding the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

Images related to Great Lakes Restoration Initiative projects are powerful and well-known: jumping Asian carp, overflowing sewage and pollution flowing into waterways and lakes, invasive mussels clogging water infrastructure and blanketing shipwrecks.

But with its hundreds of millions of federal dollars, the initiative is helping to prevent non-native species from invading, support clean up, restore habitat and more.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/federal-tax-dollars-funding-great-lakes-restoration-initiative/

Natasha Blakely

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In: Budget, Commercial Fishing, COVID-19, indigenous communities, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Federal Relief: Great Lakes fisheries finally get a cut of COVID-19 relief funds

After being snubbed in 2020, the folks who make their living by fishing the Great Lakes ­­– both commercially and for sport – have been included in the latest round of federal relief from the economic ravages of COVID-19.

With the second round, passed Dec. 27 and known as the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Act of 2021, Great Lakes tribal fisheries were included in the $30 million allotted for tribal fisheries nationwide.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/great-lakes-fisheries-federal-covid-19-relief-funds/

Dave Spratt

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In: Budget, Detroit, Feature Detroit, flint, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Michigan cities must begin replacing lead pipes. But who has the cash?

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/michigan-cities-lead-pipes-funding/

Bridge Michigan

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In: AP, Asian carp, Budget, Chicago, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, invasive species, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Deal reached on project to protect lakes from invasive fish

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Michigan, Illinois and a federal agency have agreed on funding the next phase of an initiative to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes by strengthening defenses on a Chicago-area waterway, officials said Thursday.

The two states and the U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/ap-deal-reached-brandon-road-project-asian-carp/

The Associated Press

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In: Budget, flint, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Years After Flint Water Crisis, Lead Lingers in School Buildings

By Jane Johnston, Circle of Blue

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/years-after-flint-water-crisis-lead-lingers-school-buildings/

Circle of Blue

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In: AP, Budget, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Habitat Restoration, Latest News, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Congress OKs 5-year extension of Great Lakes cleanup program

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — A program that has pumped $2.7 billion into healing long-term injuries to the Great Lakes environment has received authorization from Congress to continue another five years.

The U.S. Senate voted unanimously Sunday to extend the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, as the House did earlier this year.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/ap-congress-5-year-extension-great-lakes-cleanup-program/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, Budget, flint, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Flint water settlement borrowing plan approved by lawmakers

By David Eggert, Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan legislators on Wednesday finalized a plan to borrow $600 million to finance the state’s proposed settlement with the residents of Flint, whose water was contaminated with elevated levels of the neurotoxin lead.

The legislation received House approval on 105-3 and 104-4 votes and will be signed by Democratic Gov.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/ap-flint-water-settlement-borrowing-plan-approved-by-lawmakers/

The Associated Press

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In: Budget, Collaboration, Great Lakes, great lakes echo, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, ships
Oldest Coast Guard cutter with smallest crew and largest Great Lakes responsibility needs replacing

This article was republished here with permission from Great Lakes Echo.

By Eric Freedman, Great Lakes Echo

The U.S. Coast Guard wants to retire its oldest cutter on the Great Lakes, the 57-year-old cutter Buckthorn.

But don’t hold your breath waiting for the replacement of the Sault Ste.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/oldest-coast-guard-cutter-great-lakes/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: AP, Budget, Detroit, Drinking Water, Feature Detroit, flint, Groundwater Contamination, infrastructure, Lead, lead pipes, Michigan, News, PFAS, wastewater, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan governor releases $500 million water infrastructure plan

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a $500 million plan Thursday to upgrade drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in Michigan that includes actions such as replacing lead service lines and removing chemical pollutants.

The initiative, dubbed MI Clean Water, calls for creating a pot of money from which local governments could apply for grants or loans to improve their water treatment systems.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-whitmer-michigan-500-million-water-infrastructure-plan/

The Associated Press

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In: Budget, dams, Gary Wilson, Illinois, Indiana, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin
Dam Investment: How does Michigan stack up against Great Lakes peers?

Michigan’s dam safety program has been under intense scrutiny since the epic failure in Midland in May displaced 10,000 people.

Multiple lawsuits have ensued between Michigan, dam owner Boyce Hydro and citizens impacted by the failure, with each claiming the failure was someone else’s fault.

But a spotlight was put on Michigan dam regulators after it was revealed that the state’s 1,100 dams are monitored by a staff of two plus a supervisor, all with a meager budget of just $348,000, most of which is dedicated to salaries.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/dam-investment-michigan-other-states/

Gary Wilson

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In: Asian carp, Budget, Chicago, COVID-19, Feature-Chicago, Gary Wilson, Illinois, invasive species, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, The States, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
State Struggle: Budget shortfalls stall Asian carp plan, put cleanups at risk

With the federal government writing trillion-dollar checks to fight COVID-19, support collapsing businesses and feed cash into the economy via stimulus checks, Great Lakes legislators and advocacy groups are seizing on the opportunity to secure federal funding while the money still flows.

Recently the senate committee that oversees water infrastructure projects unanimously approved legislation authorizing $18 billion for projects nationally.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/state-federal-budget-shortfalls-asian-carp-toxic-cleanups/

Gary Wilson

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In: Budget, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, detroit river, Drinking Water, economy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, environment, epa, Feature Cleveland, Feature Detroit, Feature Milwaukee, Feature-Chicago, Gary Wilson, Great Lakes, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Milwaukee, News, Ohio, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, pollution, Protect, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Shipping and Ports, The States, Tourism, water, Waterfront Development, Wisconsin
Who’s in charge: Lack of storage facility oversight puts waterways at risk

In major lakeside cities around the Great Lakes, there isn’t a clear answer on who handles oversight of industrial storage facilities.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/seawall-inspections-industrial-storage-pollution-government/

Gary Wilson