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We the People of Detroit – Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition

Contact: Jordan Lubetkin, Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, lubetkin@nwf.org, (734) 904-1589

Groups Support Biden Administration Efforts to Combat Toxic Lead, Protect Health of Communities

DETROIT, MICH. (December 20, 2021)—We the People of Detroit and the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition are supporting the Biden Administration’s efforts to combat lead poisoning in communities. The administration released a plan late last week to accelerate the removal of toxic lead in water pipes that can harm families—especially children. It is estimated that more than 10 million people in in rural and urban communities in the United States are at risk for lead poisoning due to lead service lines.

“We applaud the efforts of the Biden Administration to confront this serious threat to our communities,” said Monica Lewis Patrick, president of We the People of Detroit. “The millions of people who are at risk for lead poisoning need help and relief to protect themselves and their families. We are glad to see President Biden and Vice President Harris taking the bull by the horns and taking action to help the people most impacted by this insidious pollution.”

The plight of residents in Flint, Mich., and more recently in Benton Harbor, Mich., who have not been able to safely drink their water due to lead poisoning, have shed a light on the national problem of lead-tainted pipes in millions of homes across the nation—many of them in older Midwestern cities like Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee and Chicago. Lead poisoning afflicts rural communities as well.

The Biden Administration has been a vocal supporter of increased efforts to address lead contamination, and federal funding to remove and replace lead pipes has been substantially increased through investments in the bipartisan infrastructure bill, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

“Clean water is a basic need, but right now too many communities in the United States are dealing with health-threatening pollution,” said Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “We need to do all we can to ensure that every person has access to safe, clean and affordable water and are glad that the Biden Administration and U.S. Congress are ratcheting up investments to protect our communities from lead poisoning. As lead-abatement programs move forward, we need to ensure that funds are being targeted to the biggest problems and the people most in need. These investments will protect community health, safeguard our drinking water, and put local people to work.”

The Biden Administration has stated it will work to target government investment to help communities most impacted by pollution. Data from the EPA says some communities—especially low-income, Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities—are more likely to be dealing with serious health threats from pollution.

We the People of Detroit and the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes support efforts to ensure that the communities that have been harmed the most by pollution are prioritized when it comes to cleanup, and that the people who live in those communities have a voice in the solutions.

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Healing Our Waters Coalition

Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/groups-support-biden-administration-efforts-to-combat-toxic-lead-protect-health-of-communities/

Lindsey Bacigal

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In: Policy, Press Releases, Washington Update

CONTACT:
Lindsey Bacigal, BacigalL@nwf.org, (734) 887-7113  
Jordan Lubetkin, Lubetkin@nwf.org, (734) 904-1589  

ANN ARBOR, MICH. (DECEMBER 16, 2021)—The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition and 63 of its members are urging the Biden Administration to fully fund Great Lakes restoration efforts that clean up toxic pollution, restore wildlife habitat, reduce runoff pollution, and fight invasive species. In a letter sent yesterday to the director the Office of Management and Budget, the Coalition is urging the Biden Administration to request $400 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative in the president’s annual budget, expected in February. Read the letter on our website. 

“Federal investments to restore and protect the Great Lakes have been producing results in communities across the region,” said Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “However, urgent problems remain, and much work still needs to be done to ensure that everyone in the region has access to safe, clean, and affordable drinking water. We hope that the Biden Administration shows its support for the Great Lakes and our drinking water by fully funding this important program.”  

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has supported more than 6,000 projects in the eight-state region of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin in support of clean drinking water, heathy communities, and recreational opportunities. These efforts are helping communities clean up toxic pollution to protect the health of people, reduce farm runoff to safeguard drinking water, and restore fish and wildlife habitat to support outdoor recreation. 

“The Great Lakes still face urgent problems, and much work needs to be done,” the Coalition writes in its letter to OMB. “Dwindling habitat, invasive species, and toxic pollutants threaten the region, endangering human and wildlife health, lowering property values, and hurting the region’s economy. Moreover, emerging contaminants and a changing climate continue to exacerbate the challenges we face, many of which disproportionately impact people that have historically borne the brunt of environmental injustice. Allowing these problems to get worse will only put our communities at risk and make them more expensive to solve.” 

Since 2004, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has been harnessing the collective power of more than 170 groups representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Learn more at HealthyLakes.org or follow us on Twitter @HealthyLakes.    

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The post Coalition Urges Biden Administration to Support Great Lakes in 2023 Budget Request   appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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Healing Our Waters Coalition

Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/coalition-urges-biden-administration-to-support-great-lakes-in-2023-budget-request/

Lindsey Bacigal

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In: Policy, Press Releases, Washington Update

CONTACT:
Lindsey Bacigal, BacigalL@nwf.org, (734) 887-7113
Jordan Lubetkin, Lubetkin@nwf.org, (734) 904-1589 

ANN ARBOR, MICH. (November 19, 2021)—The U.S. House passed sweeping legislation this morning to help communities prepare for, and adapt to, climate change and restore clean water. The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition is heralding many of the investments in the Build Back Better Act, which contains the largest federal investment in the nation’s history to confront the climate crisis. The package will now move to the Senate, which is expected to take up the reconciliation process as early as December 1. 

“We applaud the House for taking action. Climate change is here. It is impacting the Great Lakes. It is harming our communities. And it is only going to get worse, if we wait any longer to act,” said Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “The extreme weather, more frequent and severe flooding, and erosion being driven by climate change is straining the region’s inadequate water infrastructure, harming communities, hurting the economy, and jeopardizing the health of people.”  

The Build Back Better Act contains over $550 billion in climate investments to get us to a clean energy future, while helping communities adapt, including: 

  • $6 billion in investments for the conservation, restoration, and protection of our coastal habitats and enhancing the resilience of our coastal communities threatened by climate change. 
  • $10 billion to address the threat of lead in drinking water: 
    • $9 billion for disadvantaged communities and schools. 
    • $970 million for lead remediation in rural communities. 
  • $1.85 billion to address sewer overflows. 
  • $225 million for water assistance programs. 
  • $150 million for individual household decentralized wastewater treatment systems. 
  • Over $27 billion for agriculture programs including farmland conservation, regenerative agriculture, and climate research. 
  • $3 billion for environmental and climate justice block grants. 

Climate change is exacerbating many threats to the Great Lakes and communities, including polluted runoff that causes toxic algal blooms, sewage overflows that close beaches, and flooding that jeopardizes homes, businesses, and communities. 

We encourage the Senate to act swiftly on legislation that confronts the climate crisis and provides the tools and resources communities so desperately need to protect themselves from the devastating economic, environmental and public health impacts of climate change. 

Since 2004, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has been harnessing the collective power of more than 170 groups representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Learn more at HealthyLakes.org or follow us on Twitter @HealthyLakes. 

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Healing Our Waters Coalition

Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/coalition-applauds-house-action-on-climate-urges-senate-action-to-protect-great-lakes-communities/

Lindsey Bacigal

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In: Policy, Press Releases, Washington Update

CONTACT:
Lindsey Bacigal, BacigalL@nwf.org, (734) 887-7113
Jordan Lubetkin, Lubetkin@nwf.org, (734) 904-1589

Ann Arbor, Mich. (November 15, 2021)—President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan infrastructure bill today, paving the way for historic investments in drinking water and sewage treatment infrastructure, Great Lakes restoration, and core clean water priorities. The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition is heralding the bill as a tremendous victory for people and communities.

“The bipartisan infrastructure bill is a victory for the Great Lakes and the millions of people who depend on them for their drinking water, health, jobs, and quality of life,” said Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “This bill is a big step forward in addressing the water infrastructure crisis threatening our communities and will provide much-needed help to the people who have been most impacted by pollution. We thank President Joe Biden and members of Congress for working together to make infrastructure and clean water a national priority.”

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will invest $1.2 trillion in the nation’s infrastructure, including $50 billion for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. Investing in water infrastructure protects public health and improves climate resiliency of our communities, reducing maintenance and operational costs, and creating good-paying local jobs. The act also contains $1 billion to clean up toxic pollution, restore fish and wildlife habitat, reduce farm and city runoff pollution, and confront invasive species through the federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

The Great Lakes states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, according to the EPA, need more than $188 billion over 20 years to update their drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. (This chart contains the water infrastructure needs of each state.)

Since 2004, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has been harnessing the collective power of more than 170 groups representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Learn more at HealthyLakes.org or follow us on Twitter @HealthyLakes.

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The post Biden Signs Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, Boon for Great Lakes, Clean Water appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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Healing Our Waters Coalition

Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/biden-signs-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill-boon-for-great-lakes-clean-water/

Lindsey Bacigal

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Calling all leaf peepers: there is no better way to see the changing colors than from the Fox River. So this weekend, October 2 & 3, we are opening the locks FREE for all boaters! If you’re not a boater, stop down at the locks and chat with one of our great lock tenders (HINT: they may let you take a turn on the turnstyle to open or close the massive gates).

Dates are Saturday, October 2 and Sunday October 3 from 10 am – 6 pm. All locks on the system will be open except Rapide Croche and Menasha, which are closed to prevent invasive species from entering the system.

Don’t forget, the five locks in Kaukauna are open for the first time in decades. These locks provide beautiful vistas of the river and the most lockages in the shortest stretch of the system. For planning purposes, it takes about 15-20 minutes to go through a lock.

Hope to see you this weekend!

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Blog – Fox Locks

Blog – Fox Locks

http://foxlocks.org/2021/09/28/free-fall-colors-weekend/

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Ann Arbor, Mich. (August 31, 2021) —The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition is pleased to see the Trump Administration’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule vacated by the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona because the rule causes environmental harm. Restoring protections for streams and wetlands has been a priority of the Coalition.

“This decision is a victory for millions of people who depend on streams and wetlands for their drinking water and their health,” said Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “With so many of our cities and towns living with unsafe drinking water, we need more – not less – protections for clean water. We look forward to working with the Biden Administration to put in place solid clean water protections to protect our drinking water, public health, and Great Lakes.”

The ruling comes as the result of a lawsuit by six federally recognized Indigenous tribes (Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Tohono O’odham Nation, Quinault Indian Nation, Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) represented by Earthjustice, who sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for passing a rule that eliminated Clean Water Act protections for thousands of miles of streams and wetlands.

The Navigable Waters Protection Rule was a significant step backward for the health of the Great Lakes region’s waterways. The Trump Administration’s interpretation of the Clean Water Act ignored the overwhelming scientific evidence of the connectivity of waterways that we all rely on; discounted the negative impacts of unregulated pollution in ephemeral and intermittent streams; disregarded the importance of wetlands; and placed our drinking water and the waters that drive our economy at great risk.

The Coalition now urges the Biden Administration to move ahead immediately to restore and implement the regulatory definition in effect prior to the Navigable Waters Protection Rule and begin the rulemaking process on its replacement by the end of the year.

Since 2004, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has been harnessing the collective power of more than 170 groups representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Learn more at HealthyLakes.org or follow us on Twitter @HealthyLakes.

###

CONTACT:
Jordan Lubetkin, LubetkinJ@nwf.org, (734) 904-1589
Lindsey Bacigal, BacigalL@nwf.org, (734) 887-7113

The post Court Decision Victory for Clean Water, Great Lakes appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/court-decision-victory-for-clean-water-great-lakes/

Lindsey Bacigal

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In: Press Releases, Washington Update

Senate Passes Infrastructure Bill with $1B for Great Lakes Restoration
Coalition: Bill a Big Step Forward in Addressing Infrastructure Crisis

Ann Arbor, Mich. (August 10, 2021)—In a 69-30 vote, the U.S. Senate has passed a bipartisan infrastructure package that boosts federal investment in core Great Lakes and clean water programs, including $1 billion in additional funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The water infrastructure investments in the bill, according to the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, represent a big step forward to address serious threats to people’s drinking water and public health.

“This funding will be a shot in the arm to make our Great Lakes and our communities healthier,” said Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “Federal investments to restore the lakes have been producing results, yet serious threats remain. Poisoned drinking water, closed beaches, contaminated fish, and unaffordable water bills continue to impact people in cities and towns across the region and underscore the need to address these urgent problems now, before they get worse and more costly to solve. We look forward to working with Congress and the Biden Administration to get this and other bills across the finish line so that we can meet this moment in history and ensure that every person has access to clean, safe, and affordable drinking water.”

The Senate’s bipartisan infrastructure agreement, H.R. 3684 – the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” – is a $1.2 trillion infrastructure package that includes $55 billion in new federal spending for water infrastructure programs.

The bill includes supplemental funding to restore the Great Lakes and to begin to address our nation’s water infrastructure crisis. Over five years, the bill appropriates:

  • $1 billion for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative;
  • $19.9 billion for sewage treatment infrastructure through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund;
  • $17.3 billion for drinking water infrastructure under the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund;
  • $15 billion for lead service line replacement;
  • $10 billion to address emerging contaminants across key water infrastructure programs; and
  • $1.9 billion for Army Corps aquatic ecosystem restoration projects.

The bill also reauthorizes and expands key water infrastructure programs for five years, including:

  • EPA’s Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, authorizing $14.65 billion for each program;
  • EPA’s Sec. 221 Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants, authorizing $1.4 billion;
  • EPA’s Small and Disadvantaged Communities program, authorizing $510 million; and
  • EPA’s Reducing Lead in Drinking Water and Lead Testing in Schools grant programs, authorizing $700 million across both programs.

The bill will now moves to the U.S. House for further consideration.

In the Great Lakes states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin $188 billion dollars is needed for water infrastructure repairs and upgrades over 20 years.

Since 2004, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has been harnessing the collective power of more than 170 groups representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Learn more at HealthyLakes.org or follow us on Twitter @HealthyLakes.

###

CONTACT:

Jordan Lubetkin, LubetkinJ@nwf.org, (734) 904-1589

Lindsey Bacigal, BacigalL@nwf.org, (734) 887-7113

The post Senate Passes Infrastructure Bill with $1B for Great Lakes Restoration appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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Healing Our Waters Coalition

Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/senate-passes-infrastructure-bill-with-1b-for-great-lakes-restoration/

Jordan Lubetkin

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In: Press Releases

The bipartisan infrastructure package released last week contains $1 billion for Great Lakes restoration efforts through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to restore fish and wildlife habitat, reduce farm runoff pollution, clean up toxic contamination, and manage invasive species. The “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” also contains billions more for other clean water priorities, such as updating drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. If passed, the bill would distribute funds over five years. The $1 billion in supplemental Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding represents substantial new resources for that program. The U.S. Congress has funded the Great Lakes Restoration Initiate at around $300 million to $340 million per year over the last several years.

Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, said:

“This funding will be a shot in the arm to make our Great Lakes and our communities healthier. Federal investments to restore the lakes have been producing results, yet serious threats remain. Poisoned drinking water, closed beaches, contaminated fish, and unaffordable water bills continue to impact people in cities and towns across the region, which underscores the need to address these urgent problems now, before they get worse and more costly to solve.

“The $1 billion for Great Lakes restoration and protection in this bill is a big step forward in helping to confront these serious threats. We appreciate the leadership of U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Debbie Stabenow (R-Mich.) for helping advance Great Lakes restoration priorities as part of the bipartisan Senate infrastructure negotiations. Boosting funding will accelerate clean-up efforts, protect our drinking water, spur local job creation, and safeguard our public health.

“We thank the region’s congressional delegation for continuing to make the health of the Great Lakes and our communities a priority, and we look forward to working with members of Congress and the Biden Administration on this and future bills to ensure that every person has access to clean, safe, and affordable drinking water.”

Since 2004, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has been harnessing the collective power of more than 160 groups representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Learn more at HealthyLakes.org or follow us on Twitter @HealthyLakes.

The post Coalition: $1 Billion for Great Lakes in Senate Infrastructure Package will be “Shot in the Arm” appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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Healing Our Waters Coalition

Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/coalition-1-billion-for-great-lakes-in-senate-infrastructure-package-will-be-shot-in-the-arm/

Jordan Lubetkin

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BOATERS: SEASON PASSES ARE 50% OFF NOW THROUGH JULY 31

Get more locks for the money as we cut the cost of a season pass in half for the second half of summer. Now through July 31, purchase a season pass through the locks for just $50. This allows you to use any and all locks during our operating hours through Labor Day. Cruise from Kaukauna, Little Chute, Appleton, and through Little Lake Butte des Morts. Or enjoy the northern part of the lock system from Little Kaukauna, through DePere, and into the Bay of Green Bay. Beautiful cruising is yours for half the cost of a season pass.

There’s plenty of summer left, but you have to purchase before July 31, 2021.

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Blog – Fox Locks

Blog – Fox Locks

http://foxlocks.org/2021/07/23/summer-splash-sale-50-off-season-passes/

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ANN ARBOR, MICH. (July 15, 2021) – Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, has been named as one of two new members to the EPA’s Great Lakes Advisory Board. Rubin will serve as a representative for environmental non-governmental organizations. The other new appointee is Frank Ettawageshik, executive director of the United Tribes of Michigan. He will serve as a tribal representative.

The Great Lakes Advisory Board provides the EPA with recommendations on specific Great Lakes issues, including implementation of the federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which funds projects to clean up toxic pollution, restore fish and wildlife habitat, and reduce toxic algal blooms, and domestic implementation of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between the United States and Canada.

“I am honored to have been chosen to serve on the Great Lakes Advisory Board,” said Rubin. “I look forward to working with the Advisory Board members and the EPA to ensure that federal investments to restore the Great Lakes continue to tackle the most pressing threats to the lakes, as well as help communities that have been harmed by toxic pollution, harmful algal blooms, and unaffordable water. We have made great progress over the years, but serious threats remain – all of which are being exacerbated by climate change. I am excited to get to work.”

Since 2004, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has been harnessing the collective power of more than 160 groups representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Learn more at HealthyLakes.org or follow us on Twitter @HealthyLakes.

The post Coalition Director Named to EPA Board appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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Healing Our Waters Coalition

Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/coalition-director-named-to-epa-board/

Lindsey Bacigal

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NEW TRAIL DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCED

The Fox Locks system and the City of Kaukauna will officially open the five locks on the Fox River in a today, July 13 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The ceremony will take place at Kaukauna lock 1, located at 701 Canal St., Kaukauna. Repairs to the Veterans Memorial Lift Bridge in Kaukauna are complete and the bridge will raise and lower to welcome the first boat traffic on the Kaukauna section of the lock system in more than 35 years.

“This project is yet another progressive move for our City and for the long-term betterment of our community,” said City of Kaukauna Mayor, Tony Penterman. “Opening these five locks to boater traffic will give Kaukauna an economic boost and connection to the Fox Cities. Boaters will now be able to take in all the beautiful views the Fox River has to offer throughout Kaukauna.”

The one-mile stretch of the Fox River represents the sharpest elevation drop of 50.4 feet from the guard lock near downtown Kaukauna to lock 5 just north of the Grignon Mansion.

“This is a reality we have been looking forward to for generations,” said Jeremy Cords, CEO of the Fox River Navigational System Authority. “Boats haven’t been able to travel on the Fox River from Menasha to Kaukauna for generations and this represents opening the last major stretch of the locks system since they were reconstructed in 2015.”

So far this summer, boat traffic has more than doubled. From May 22-May 31, 372 boats & kayaks traveled through the open locks as compared to 116 boats & kayaks over the same period in 2020. Traffic during last summer also increased significantly over traffic in 2019:

  •             2019 traffic: 2,563 boats, 12,052 passengers
  •             2020 traffic: 3,982 boats, 17,755 passengers

“We’re confident opening the Kaukauna locks will break all of these records and bring more recreational boaters through the system,” Cords said.

Of the 39-mile lock system about 30 miles will be open in 2021 for navigation. Boaters can travel from the bay of Green Bay to the Rapide Croche lock just south of Wrightstown. The river is also navigable from the Rapide Croche lock south through Kaukauna, Little Chute, Appleton and into Little Lake Butte des Morts to the closed Menasha lock. Both the Menasha lock and the Rapide Croche lock are closed to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Kaukauna interpretative trail announced

Cords also announced plans to develop an interpretative trail along the five Kaukauna locks, thanks to a $300,000 grant from the David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. The 1.3 mile trail will run adjacent to all five locks and give pedestrians and cyclists a chance to see the locks in action. The trail will be constructed on land already owned by the Fox River Navigational System Authority and will link to existing and proposed trails throughout the Fox Valley.

“This project will increase public access to the historic lock system,” Cords said. “The trail will provide one of the most up-close views of how the locks work along the entire lock system and allow citizens to see living history in action.”

When complete, the trail will feature:

  • A curated trail with informational way-finding signage communicating the history and cultural development of the lock system in a park-like environment.
  • Seating areas with benches and lighting.
  • Access for disabled residents.
  • Exploration of an environmental research project conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey at Kaukauna lock 2.
  • The trail will pass one of two swing bridges built in 1901. This railroad bridge is still in use and opens and closes in under one minute.
  • Trail access will pass sites that are scheduled for future development: the only lock tender house in Kaukauna which will be restored in the future, and the Kaukauna dry dock area which was used for boat and lock repair that is also slated for future restoration.

David and Rita Nelson gave an estate gift of more than $100 million to their charitable fund at the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. The priorities they specified for the money include parks and recreation with a focus on water enjoyment.

“David Nelson especially loved spending time on and along the water, and he shared those experiences with so many during his lifetime,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Curt Detjen. “The Nelson family origins are in Kaukauna and I am sure they would have walked a trail like this, watching the locks in action.  It is a living history lesson, and their other passion was history. This is an exciting opportunity to enhance community connections while showcasing the Kaukauna’s rich history and wonderful waterways.”

Construction has already started on portions of the trail and is slated for public opening in Spring of 2022. Design partner for the project is Westwood Professional Services (formerly OMNNI Associates).

For more information on the lock system, please visit this link. 

Original Article

Blog – Fox Locks

Blog – Fox Locks

http://foxlocks.org/2021/07/13/kaukauna-locks-open-this-weekend/

Fox Locks

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ANN ARBOR, MICH. (July 1, 2021) – Today, House Appropriators approved the fiscal year 2022 Interior and Environment funding legislation, advancing historic funding levels for key agencies and providing robust funding for clean water and Great Lakes restoration programs. The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition is pleased to see the House respond to bi-partisan support for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), proposing funding the program at $375 million in the new fiscal year. The committee also approved historic funding levels for the EPA, proposing a much-needed funding increase for the agency of almost 23% to $11.4 billion for fiscal year 2022.

On June 21, the Coalition and 93 of its members sent a letter to Congress advocating for full funding of the GLRI. Laura Rubin, director of the Coalition stated, “We are glad to see that such an effort did not go unnoticed. The GLRI has improved the lives of millions in the region and more funding will allow for more efforts to move forward in protecting and preserving the region, its communities, and its residents.”

Key Great Lakes and clean water programs funded under this proposal include:

  • Great Lakes Protection and Restoration
    • Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: $375 million – a $45 million increase over fiscal year 2021 enacted
    • Invasive Carp funding: $36.6 million across US Fish and Wildlife Service and US Geological Survey programs – a $1 million increase over fiscal year 2021 enacted
  • Water Infrastructure
    • Clean Water State Revolving Fund: $1.87 billion – a $232 million increase over fiscal year 2021 enacted
    • Drinking Water State Revolving Fund: $1.36 billion – a $232 million increase over fiscal year 2021 enacted
    • Sewer Overflow Grants: $60 million – a $20 million increase over fiscal year 2021 enacted
    • Reducing Lead in Drinking Water: $81.5 million – a $60 million increase over fiscal year 2021 enacted
  • Clean Water Protection
    • Clean water state grants: $235 million – a $5 million increase over fiscal year 2021 enacted
    • Nonpoint pollution grants: $180 million – a $3 million increase over fiscal year 2021 enacted

The Interior and Environment funding bill now heads to the full House of Representatives for consideration. The House is expected to vote on the bill later this month.

Since 2004, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has been harnessing the collective power of more than 160 groups representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Learn more at HealthyLakes.org or follow us on Twitter @HealthyLakes.

Contact for media: Lindsey Bacigal, BacigalL@nwf.org, (734) 887-7113

Contact for policy: Alexis J. Lopez-Cepero, Senior Legislative Analyst, lopez-cepero@npca.org

The post Coalition Pleased to See Full Funding of GLRI Proposed appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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Healing Our Waters Coalition

Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/coalition-pleased-to-see-full-funding-of-glri-proposed/

Lindsey Bacigal

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In: Press Releases, Washington Update

ANN ARBOR, MICH. (July 1, 2021) – Today, the House of Representatives passed comprehensive infrastructure legislation, advancing work to bring billions of dollars of new investment to communities across the Great Lakes region. H.R. 3684, the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation (INVEST) in America Act, which passed the House by a 221-201 vote, would provide over $168 billion for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and affordability measures over the next 10 years. The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition applauds the House for taking this important step forward, and in a letter sent earlier this week, the Coalition urged members of the House to ensure legislation to address the region’s water infrastructure crisis reaches the President’s desk this summer.

There is a nationwide water infrastructure crisis impacting the health and safety of people and communities. For the Great Lakes region states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, a staggering $188 billion over the next 20 years is needed to improve, upgrade, and repair drinking water and wastewater systems. This work is increasingly unaffordable for communities and residents, as the federal contribution to water infrastructure has declined precipitously over the last four decades, falling from 63 percent of water infrastructure spending to 9 percent today. Too often these costs are being passed on to those who can least afford it, disproportionately impacting communities that have historically borne the brunt of environmental injustice with water utility bills doubling or tripling over the last decade.

Coupled with the threat of climate change, failing infrastructure will only continue to get worse and more expensive the longer it takes to be fixed. We are already seeing these disastrous effects, as evidenced by the recent flooding in areas across the basin.

“Fixing our region’s failing infrastructure will put people to work, revitalize our communities’ economies, and ensure safe, clean, and affordable water is available to all,” stated Laura Rubin, director of the Coalition. “Our communities need action now.”

The INVEST in America Act is a good step for addressing our regional and nationwide needs. In particular, the bill:

  • Reauthorizes EPA’s Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, increasing program authorizations up to $8 billion and $5.5 billion annually (respectively), expanding subsidization for our most disadvantaged communities, workforce development, and prioritizing investments in resilient and natural wastewater and stormwater infrastructure solutions.
  • Reauthorizes EPA’s Sec. 221 Sewer Overflow and Storm Reuse Municipal Grants at $400 million annually, enhancing assistance to financially distressed cities.
  • Establishes a Household Wastewater Grant Program, providing $100 million annually for EPA to address the threat of wastewater pollution from failing or overwhelmed systems.
  • Authorizes $45 billion over 10 years to for full lead service line replacements.
  • Establishes water rate assistance programs for low-income households and promotes near-term debt relief for households that have borne the economic brunt of the pandemic.
  • Reauthorizes and increases funding for additional programs that further support the operation of public drinking water systems, state implementation of clean water protections, address the threat of toxic contaminants including PFAS, and enhances water system resilience.

The Coalition applauds the efforts of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee for getting these robust investments to the floor. With the passage of the House bill, Congressional and Administration leadership must now move ahead with negotiations on a final package. News of an agreement between the Senate and Administration last week provides hope for ongoing efforts to reach a final agreement in the coming months.

Since 2004, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has been harnessing the collective power of more than 160 groups representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Learn more at HealthyLakes.org or follow us on Twitter @HealthyLakes.

Contact for media: Lindsey Bacigal, BacigalL@nwf.org, (734) 887-7113

Contact for policy: Alexis J. Lopez-Cepero, Senior Legislative Analyst, lopez-cepero@npca.org

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https://healthylakes.org/house-passes-comprehensive-infrastructure-legislation/

Lindsey Bacigal

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ANN ARBOR, MICH. (June 24, 2021) – The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition and groups in the eight-state Great Lakes region are calling on the U.S. Congress to invest more than $1.5 billion to clean up toxic hot-spots as part of a national infrastructure package and to boost Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding. The Coalition made its requests in two letters to Congress that were signed by more than 90 Coalition partners.

“Our region’s water continues to be threatened by toxic contamination that poisons drinking water, closes beaches, and leaves fish unsafe to eat,” said Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “Cleaning up these toxic hot-spots is essential to upgrade our water infrastructure. Federal investments will reduce the cost of delivering clean drinking water, spur local job creation, and protect our public health. This funding is urgently needed to accelerate restoration progress and support communities that have borne the brunt of water pollution and environmental injustice.”

The first letter calls on Congress to include $1.5 billion to restore the Great Lakes through the EPA’s Areas of Concern (AOC) program. AOCs are the harmful legacy of decades of industrial pollution to the waters millions in the region rely on. These toxic sites threaten the safety of communities by way of cancer-causing contaminants and other pollutants that have led to drinking water restrictions, fish consumption advisories and limits on recreational activities like swimming. The clean-up of these sites is necessary for the health of our communities and for our fish and wildlife – and can be a key driver of local economic revitalization.

The Coalition’s second letter advocates for full funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) at $375 million in fiscal year 2022. To date, the GLRI has been an incredibly successful program, with work underway or completed on more than 5,400 restoration projects throughout the region. In addition to health and environmental benefits, the GLRI is a huge economic boon to the region, with every $1 invested through 2016 estimated to produce more than $3 in additional economic activity regionwide through 2036.

“State-Federal partnership efforts like the GLRI and AOC programs are crucial drivers of progress in the Great Lakes region,” stated Erika Jensen, interim executive director for the Great Lakes Commission. “We know that cleaning up contaminated areas has an outsized impact in our collective efforts to make progress on environmental justice and support our local communities. The GLC looks forward to working with all of our partners to help secure these critical investments.”

“The City of Gary and our partners have worked hard to restore and protect the Grand Cal River to provide benefits for our community,” said Jerome Prince, Mayor of Gary, Indiana, and member of the board of directors, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative. “We’ve come a long way, but much cleanup work remains. We need the resources to get the job done so our residents can fully enjoy our local waterways.”

Additional information: EPA Great Lakes Area of Concern website

Since 2004, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has been harnessing the collective power of more than 160 groups representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Learn more at HealthyLakes.org or follow us on Twitter @HealthyLakes

 

Joint Great Lakes Letter_Infrastructure Plan_final_6.24.2021

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Healing Our Waters Coalition

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Lindsey Bacigal

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ANN ARBOR, MICH. (June 24, 2021) – The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, along with six partners, sent a letter to Congress advocating for federal investment in the infrastructure of the Great Lakes basin. The letter asked for support of the following provisions: accelerate the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative; invest in drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure; ensure the Great Lakes economy, environment, and communities are resilient to the impacts of a changing climate; and strengthen Great Lakes ports and the maritime transportation system.

HOW_2021 06 21_AOC supplemental - Signed letter (002)
“]

The post Coalition and Partners Advocate for Federal Infrastructure Investment appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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Healing Our Waters Coalition

Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/coalition-and-partners-advocate-for-federal-infrastructure-investment/

Lindsey Bacigal

On:
In: Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Letters, Press Releases

ANN ARBOR, MICH. (June 22, 2021) – The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition sent a letter to Congress advocating for full funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative at $375 million for the 2022 fiscal year. The letter was signed by 93 Coalition members and can be read in full below.

 

HOW FY2022 GLRI Appropriations Final (6.22.21)

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Healing Our Waters Coalition

Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/coalition-members-call-for-full-funding-of-glri/

Lindsey Bacigal

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In: Press Releases

ANN ARBOR, MICH. (June 10, 2021)—In a win for clean water, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition is pleased to see that the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has passed the Water Quality and Protection and Job Creation Act out of committee, with a bipartisan vote of 42 to 25. The bill provides $50 billion over the course of five years to help communities with clean water infrastructure.

“This bill is a much-needed step forward in addressing our region’s failing water infrastructure that is threatening the health of our communities,” said Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “We are grateful for the leadership of Reps. Pete DeFazio (D-Ore.), Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.). “We urge the full House to pass and fund this bill so that we can get to work addressing our water infrastructure crisis, revitalizing the economy, and ensuring safe, clean, and affordable water is available to all.”

H.R. 1915, if passed, would:

  • reauthorize EPA’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund at $8 billion annually (an increase of $6.4 billion);
  • reauthorize EPA’s Sec. 221 Sewer Overflow and Storm Reuse Municipal Grants at $400 million annually (an increase of $175 million);
  • reauthorize EPA’s Sec. 106 State Water Pollution Control Grants at $500 million annually (an increase of $270 million);
  • authorize three new programs:
    • an EPA Emerging Contaminants grants program at $200 million annually;
    • an EPA Household Wastewater Grant program at $50 million annually; and
    • a study analyzing the historical distribution of federal wastewater infrastructure funds to rural, economically disadvantaged, and Tribal communities.

On June 1, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition submitted a letter of support for the proposed amendment to the bill, emphasizing clean water needs for the Great Lakes region while also prioritizing climate resilience and investments in our most vulnerable communities.

Since 2004, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has been harnessing the collective power of more than 160 groups representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Learn more at HealthyLakes.org or follow us on Twitter @HealthyLakes.

CONTACT: Lindsey Bacigal, BacigalL@nwf.org, (734) 887-7113

 

The post Momentous Occasion: $50 Billion Water Infrastructure Bill Advances in House appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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Healing Our Waters Coalition

Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/momentous-occasion-50-billion-water-infrastructure-bill-advances-in-house/

Lindsey Bacigal

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Proposed White House budget and complementary American Jobs Plan boosts funding to restore Great Lakes, fix water infrastructure, and protect the health of millions in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

ANN ARBOR, MICH. (June 3, 2021) – The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition welcomes the newly proposed Biden Administration budget that, taken in tandem with the American Jobs Plan, presents a historic opportunity to secure sizeable federal investments to accelerate progress to restore the Great Lakes, protect the health of communities, and reverse environmental justices that have harmed vulnerable communities.

“The Biden Administration’s proposed budget and complementary investments in the American Jobs Plan can be a game-changer in the effort to restore and protect the Great Lakes, confront the climate crisis, and help communities that have disproportionately borne the brunt of pollution and environmental harm for far too long,” said Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Water-Great Lakes Coalition. “The table has been set for a once-in-a-generation investment to help ensure that every person in this country has access to safe and affordable drinking water, and we need the Biden Administration and U.S. Congress to seize the day.”

The Biden Administration’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2022, which begins Oct. 1, includes increased funding levels to advance water infrastructure improvement efforts for community water systems, schools, and households. (Specific funding levels below.) The administration is also proposing an additional $111 billion in the American Jobs Plan to boost water infrastructure spending to fix sewers and drinking water infrastructure, replace lead service lines, and address toxic PFAS pollution. Taken together, these investments provide a substantial increase in the federal government’s investment to provide clean water to communities.

“Millions of people in our country do not have access to clean, safe and affordable water for themselves, their families, and their children,” said Monica Lewis-Patrick, president and CEO of We the People of Detroit. “The Biden Administration’s proposed budget and supplemental funding in the American Jobs Plan is a recognition that the status quo is not acceptable and that the federal government can and should be doing more. That is welcome news. If the White House and Congress can deliver on this level of funding, it will be a huge help in addressing the water affordability crisis in which more and more Americans are having difficulty paying their water bills.”

Michigan State University researchers estimate that by 2022, more than 1-in-3 Americans will have a hard time paying their water bills. The water affordability crisis can be partly attributed to the decades-long disinvestment in water infrastructure by the federal government leading to an immense backlog of work. The Great Lakes states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin need more than $188 billion over 20 years to meet clean water objectives and to protect the health of local communities, according to the U.S. EPA. Further, between 6 million and 10 million homes nationwide continue to receive their drinking water through lead service lines, posing a serious risk to their health.

“Failing water infrastructure threatens our health, economy, and environment. Sewage overflows are contaminating local waterways and families are being exposed to lead in the drinking water that comes out of their taps,” said Brian Smith, Associate Executive Director at Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE). “We have solutions to these problems, and now is the time to use them. The Biden Administration’s proposed budget, along with the American Jobs Plan, provide a historic opportunity to upgrade our aging wastewater and drinking water infrastructure. We are counting on Congress to act and take advantage of this opportunity.”

Boosting federal clean water investments is a top priority for the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition.

“Federal investments to restore the Great Lakes have been producing results for communities, but serious threats remain,” said Chad Lord, policy director for the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “With so many cities and town living with unsafe drinking water, we need to be doing more—and we need to do it now, before the problems get worse and more expensive to solve. Our nation can do great things if our leaders come together. We encourage them to not shy away from this moment and to get the job done.”

The Biden Administration’s proposed budget:

  • Increases federal investments in the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative from $330 million to $340 million, an increase of $10 million;
  • Boosts federal investments in the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, which help communities repair wastewater and drinking water infrastructure, by $232 million each (or, $464 million total);
  • Includes more than $930 million in funding across new and existing programs under a new environmental justice initiative, cementing environmental justice as a core feature of the EPA’s mission;
  • Increases grants from $40 million to $60 million to help communities reduce sewage overflows;
  • Boosts funding for programs to reduce lead in drinking water from $48 million to $118 million;
  • Fully funds work to do pre-engineering and design for the Brandon Road Lock and Dam to keep invasive carp out of the Great Lakes; and,
  • Increases budgets for federal agencies substantially. For example, the White House is recommending a $2 billion boost to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, enhancing capacity and ability to do science and research, community engagement, and enforcement.

Since 2004, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has been harnessing the collective power of more than 160 groups representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Learn more at HealthyLakes.org or follow us on Twitter @HealthyLakes

###

CONTACT:

Jordan Lubetkin, LubetkinJ@nwf.org, (734) 904-1589

Lindsey Bacigal, BacigalL@nwf.org, (734) 887-7113

The post Biden Budget Presents Historic Opportunity to Support Great Lakes appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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Healing Our Waters Coalition

Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/biden-budget-presents-historic-opportunity-to-support-great-lakes/

Jordan Lubetkin

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In: Events, Fox Locks in the News, Press Releases

The countdown for opening day is on! We are excited to open another successful season on the Fox Locks and have a few updates for you before you plan your locks cruise!

Kaukauna locks update: The five locks through Kaukauna are scheduled to open in July. We don’t have a firm date at this time because the City of Kaukauna is finishing repairs to the Veterans Memorial lift bridge and needs to go through a period of testing before opening boat traffic. When open, you’ll be able to cruise a section of the river that has a vertical drop of 50.4 feet in only one mile! Please stay tuned to this website and our Facebook page for an announcement on the opening date.

Menasha lock: Many of you have asked about the status of this lock and it will remain closed in 2021. An electric barrier has been proposed for this lock to prevent the fish from entering the Lake Winnebago watershed and research is currently underway to assess the effects of a barrier on all the life stages of the fish. Research has been completed on adult round goby and additional research is being conducted on the effect of water velocity and the electric barrier on juvenile round goby.

“Above all we want to protect the incredible natural resource of Lake Winnebago and the Fox River,” said Jeremy Cords, CEO of the Fox Locks system. “We are conducting the scientific research thoroughly and with multiple reviews by the state DNR to ensure any solution is verified and built for the long term.” Cords adds that the project is extremely complicated involving approval from several state agencies, ongoing research, and planning by regional engineering firms, so it is impossible at this time to forecast a start or completion date on the project.

For more information, please follow us on Facebook or at this link about the Menasha lock. 

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Blog – Fox Locks

http://foxlocks.org/2021/05/11/opening-day-2021/

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Over the last few weeks, the Biden Administration and leaders in the U.S. House and Senate have put forward proposals to fix the nation’s inadequate drinking water and sewage treatment infrastructure through new federal investment.

New investment is sorely needed. The Great Lakes states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin face more than $188 billion in water infrastructure repairs and upgrades over 20 years to meet clean water objectives and to protect the health of local communities, according to the U.S. EPA.

See how much money is needed to fix drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in each state in this chart.

Further, between 6 million and 10 million homes continue to receive their drinking water through lead service lines, posing a serious risk to their health. Last month, in a scathing assessment of the nation’s infrastructure, the American Society of Civil Engineers issued its national scorecard, granting a “C-” for drinking water infrastructure, “D” for stormwater infrastructure, and “D+” for wastewater infrastructure.

The state is dire. It is time to act. A top priority for the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition is to boost federal investment in our nation’s water infrastructure.

We’ve looked at the House, Senate, and Biden Administration proposals to see how they stack up against one another. The U.S. Senate passed legislation last week, and over the next few months lawmakers will negotiate what a final package will look like. As is to be expected, the proposals differ in scope, ambition, and timeframe. The good news: All of the them boost federal investment to start to get at the immense backlog of work. The question is: How far is the nation willing to go to make water safer and more affordable?

Bigger Equals Better for People, Health, Communities

It’s important to not mince words: More funding will be better. More funding will mean that we will be able to tackle the problems more quickly. That means reducing sewage contamination that closes beaches. That means replacing lead service lines that threaten the health of people, especially children. That means reducing skyrocketing water bills that are pushing more and more people to the brink, unable to afford their water—one-in-three Americans, to be exact. There is no way around the fact that getting more money out the door more quickly will help accelerate addressing the country’s infrastructure crisis and thereby protect our health and our communities.

These Investments are Critical for the most Vulnerable Communities

The Environmental Protection Agency has found that pollution disproportionately impacts low-income, Indigenous, and communities of color. The water infrastructure crisis is no different, from lead contamination to sky-rocketing water utility bills. The country has the opportunity to right these wrongs. In this regard, the Biden and House plans offer both more funding as well as targeted programs to help vulnerable communities.

Comparing the House, Senate and Biden Plans

So how do the packages compare? When looking at the total financial investment in three major areas – drinking water infrastructure, wastewater treatment infrastructure, and lead-line replacement – the Biden Administration package comes out ahead.

  • Biden Administration Plan: $111 billion
  • House Plan: $101 billion
  • Senate Plan: $35 billion

(Note: Senate Republicans have put forward an infrastructure roadmap that proposes a $35 billion investment in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure over 5 years through “renewed federal policies and programs.” Due to the lack of details we cannot, at this time, provide a comparison of this proposal.)

The catch is that the Biden plan assumes funding over eight years, while the House and Senate plans are 5-year investments. If we look at annual investments, the House plan shows greater ambition:

  • House Plan: $20 billion/year
  • Biden Administration Plan: $13.875 billion/year
  • Senate Plan: $7 billion/year
  • Current appropriations: $3 billion/year

Each of these proposals provides a much-needed boost over current funding levels, although some are, obviously, larger in scope. Here are some quick-takeaways from each plan.

Senate plan is the most conservative plan, a first step focusing on nuts-and-bolts upgrades to water infrastructure. The Senate Environment and Public Works committee quickly picked up where they left off in the last Congressional session, introducing an expanded and bi-partisan comprehensive water infrastructure package, the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act. The bill, which passed the Senate last week, would invest more than $35 billion in water resource development projects of which more than 40 percent can be directly used to benefit small, disadvantaged, rural, and tribal communities through additional subsidization from the State Revolving Loan Funds or direct grant programs. Notably absent is any kind of targeted lead-line replacement program.

The Biden plan aims big—with a priority on lead-line replacement. The American Jobs Plan released earlier this month by the Biden Administration would invest $111 billion over 8-years in water infrastructure. Notably, the plan seeks to replace 100% of lead pipes and service lines nationwide, investing $45 billion through the EPA’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act grants. That’s the most funding dedicated to lead-line replacement in any of the three plans. And it’s needed. The plan also seeks to tackle new contaminants and supporting clean water infrastructure across rural communities, investing $10 billion to monitor and remediate toxic PFAS in drinking water and to invest in rural small water systems and household well and wastewater systems.

The House plan offers the biggest federal investment out of the gate. The House of Representatives has pieced together two major water infrastructure proposals focusing on drinking water and wastewater infrastructure investments, respectively. The Leading Infrastructure For Tomorrow’s (LIFT) America Act and Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act of 2021 offer more than $78 billion in drinking water and wastewater water infrastructure investments – the most of any of the plans. The investment of $22.5 billion of lead-line replacement is half of the Biden Administration’s plan, but will still get $4.5 billion out per year for the first five years – far above the Senate’s $710 million.

The plan tackles toxic PFAS contamination (although lower than Biden plan) as well as offers $2.5 billion in wastewater infrastructure assistance to address the backlog of critical needs for Indian Tribes.

Coalition Urges Elected Officials to Go Big

The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition is urging elected officials to be bold and to fund a water infrastructure plan that funds solutions to the immense challenge at hand. The decades-long disinvestment in water infrastructure by the federal government needs to be reversed. The Coalition and its allies are urging federal elected officials to invest at least $30 billion this fiscal year in the nation’s water infrastructure to protect the drinking water and health of local communities, as well as the health of iconic waters like the Great Lakes. These problems will not fix themselves. Quite the opposite: Delay will only make the problems worse and more expensive to solve. Too many cities and towns are living with unsafe water. And we need to do everything we can to ensure that every resident of this country has access to clean, safe, and affordable water. In the coming months, as the U.S. Congress and Biden Administration discuss how to address the nation’s water infrastructure crisis, we encourage elected officials to think big and act accordingly.

The post Biden, House, Senate Infrastructure Packages – Water Investments Explained appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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Healing Our Waters Coalition

Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/biden-house-senate-infrastructure-packages-water-investments-explained/

Alexis Lopez-Cepero

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ANN ARBOR, MICH. (April 29, 2021) — The U.S. Senate passed legislation to boost the nation’s investment in water infrastructure to get at the vexing and ongoing problems of toxic lead in people’s drinking water, sewage contamination, and unaffordable water bills that are impacting millions of people in the Great Lakes region and across the country. These problems stem from the decades-long disinvestment in these essential services by the federal government. The Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021 provides new investment to upgrade drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and provides mechanisms to help target investment to communities that have been most impacted by insufficient infrastructure.

“This bill is a good step in addressing the nation’s inadequate drinking water and wastewater infrastructure that threaten the health of communities and residents,” said Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “The decades-long disinvestment in our nation’s water infrastructure by the federal government has put communities in an untenable and inhumane situation, saddling them with skyrocketing water bills and leaving millions of citizens without clean drinking water. The federal government can and should provide support in the form of new, robust investment to fix our water infrastructure before the problem gets worse and more expensive to solve. We support the Senate’s action today – especially provisions that help the communities most harmed by inadequate water infrastructure – and hope that it sets the stage for finally getting a strong bill across the finish line that can be signed into law by President Biden.”

The Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021 (S.914) invests more than $35 billion over 5 years to fix and update the nation’s inadequate water infrastructure. More than 40 percent can be directly used to benefit small, disadvantaged, rural, and tribal communities through additional subsidization or direct grant programs. This bill includes:

  • $14.65 billion over 5 years for drinking water infrastructure investments through the EPA’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund;
  • $14.65 billion over 5 years for wastewater infrastructure investments through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund;
  • $1.4 billion over 5 years to cities to capture, treat, or reuse sewer overflows or stormwater.
  • $700 million over 5 years for grants to reduce lead in drinking water and directly address lead contamination in schools.

The Great Lakes states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin face more than $188 billion in needed repairs and upgrades for their water infrastructure over 20 years to meet the clean water needs of communities. Earlier this month, the American Society of Civil Engineers released its infrastructure report card, handing out scathing grades for the nation’s water infrastructure, with drinking water earning a “C-,” stormwater a “D,” and wastewater a “D+.”

The House of Representatives is also considering sweeping legislation to address the nation’s drinking water and wastewater crisis. President Biden has also put forward a national infrastructure plan.

Since 2004, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has been harnessing the collective power of more than 160 groups representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Learn more at www.healthylakes.org or follow us on Twitter @healthylakes.

The post Senate Passes Water Infrastructure Bill, Boosting Federal Funding appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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Healing Our Waters Coalition

Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/senate-passes-water-infrastructure-bill-boosting-federal-funding/

Jordan Lubetkin

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Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition urges Congress, Biden Administration to act to protect drinking water and halt harmful pollution – including toxic lead, sewage, and other chemicals – from harming people, communities.

ANN AROBR, MICH. (April 7, 2021)—Lead pipes that poison drinking water and threaten the health of people and families. Sewage contamination that closes beaches and hurts local economies. Skyrocketing water bills that makes water unaffordable for millions of people. The problems stemming from our nation’s inadequate and crumbling water infrastructure are well-known. Over the last few weeks, several approaches have been proposed by the Biden Administration and leaders in the U.S. House and Senate to boost federal investment in the nation’s drinking water and sewage treatment infrastructure.

The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition and its allies are urging federal elected officials to invest at least $30 billion this fiscal year in the nation’s water infrastructure to protect the drinking water and health of local communities, as well as the health of iconic waters like the Great Lakes.

“Millions of people in the Great Lakes region and across the country are counting on the U.S. Congress and the Biden Administration to act with urgency to protect our communities from the serious threats posed by toxic lead, sewage, and other serious pollution,” said Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “We have solutions, and it is time to use them before the problems get worse and more expensive to solve.”

For each Great Lakes state—Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—see how much money is needed to fix drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in this chart. (link)

GLR Investment Needs

GLR Investment Needs: Click to Enlarge

The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition and its partners are asking for:

  • $10 billion per year to fix drinking water infrastructure to provide safe drinking water, prioritizing grants to disadvantaged communities to make water more affordable;
  • $10 billion per year to fix wastewater and stormwater treatment infrastructure to prevent sewage contamination and overflows, prioritizing grants to vulnerable communities and promoting the use of resilient natural infrastructure;
  • $4.5 billion per year to replace lead service lines that transport water into homes to protect the health of people and communities;
  • $500 million per year to help states and tribes prevent pollution into local waters;
  • $400 million per year to reduce sewage overflows;
  • $250 million per year to help states and tribes maintain and enforce safe drinking water standards;
  • $200 million per year to help reduce polluted runoff from farms and cities; and,
  • $60 million in targeted funding to help small and disadvantaged communities to provide safe drinking water.

“From the Great Lakes to Long Island Sound, New York’s aging and failing water infrastructure is endangering our drinking water, health, and economic well-being,” said Brian Smith, associate executive director at Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “As President Biden and Congress take steps to invest in America’s infrastructure, it is imperative that we seize this opportunity to boost investments in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. These federal investments will protect our communities from dangerous pollution, ensure affordable drinking water, and create good jobs when we need it most.”

“Now is the time to make a significant investment in our water infrastructure to protect our drinking water, public health, jobs, and prosperity,” said Erma Leaphart, conservation organizer for the Sierra Club Great Lakes Program. “A thriving society must have well-functioning infrastructure.  Our lives and way of life depend on it.”

“This is a good start to address the massive water infrastructure deficit we face in Minnesota and the Great Lakes region,” said Deanna White, state director of Clean Water Action Minnesota. “We are excited to see the $45 billion to replace all lead service lines. These pipes are the largest source of lead poisoning in drinking water, and we need to ensure that all communities, especially those left out in the past, can access the funding to help ensure safe and affordable drinking water for everyone.”

“Lead poison causes many cognitive and health issues,” said Stephan Witherspoon, northeast Minnesota organizer, Minnesota Environmental Partnership. “Youth, marginalized, and people-of-color communities are most impacted. Dealing with this major issue can save lives and ensure this silent killer does not affect future generations.”

“Across the nation there is an urgent need for federal leadership to equitably fund the repair and enhancement of water infrastructure,” said Brenda Coley, co-executive director of Milwaukee Water Commons. “It is not enough just to write the check when we talk about equity. We must be intentional to include actions that focus on addressing environmental injustice and that eliminate systemic barriers to accessing water sector employment. These elements should not be construed as add-ons to infrastructure financing. Rather, they must be understood as investments in overcoming nationwide segregation and marginalization from wealth building, environmental health, and public health that would otherwise limit the impact of this funding. These actions must be measurable and data driven and they should have the ability to be tracked and reported on.”

“Aging infrastructure threatens the health and safety of the very water resources Ohioans depend on for their drinking water, recreational enjoyment, and economic livelihoods,” said Pete Bucher, managing director of water policy for the Ohio Environmental Council. “We applaud the Biden Administration’s proposed investments in our nation’s drinking water and sewage treatment infrastructure. And we call on our elected leaders to ensure Ohio communities—especially low-income and communities of color—have the resources they need to improve water infrastructure across the state. Everyone deserves access to clean, safe, and affordable water. No exceptions.”

“The American Jobs Plan is a historic opportunity for the country to invest in resilient communities and natural resources,” said Marnie Urso, senior policy director, Audubon Great Lakes. “Restoring the Great Lakes will help bolster the regional economy and investing in resilient water infrastructure is needed as climate change drives extreme flooding and sea-level rise. Audubon is encouraged that Great Lakes restoration is recognized as a smart investment, with diverse stakeholder support, the will benefit birds, wildlife, and the communities that depend on these critical resources.”

Background:

The Great Lakes states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin face more than $188 billion in water infrastructure repairs and upgrades over the next 20 years to meet clean water objectives and to protect the health of local communities, according to the U.S. EPA. Further, between 6 million and 10 million homes continue to receive their drinking water through lead service lines, posing a serious risk to their health. Last month, in a scathing assessment of the nation’s infrastructure, the American Society of Civil Engineers issued its national scorecard, granting a “C-” for drinking water infrastructure, “D” for stormwater infrastructure, and “D+” for wastewater infrastructure.

The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has long championed a much more robust federal investment in our nation’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure to protect the health of people and to make water more affordable. Researchers estimate that by 2022, 1-in-3 Americans will have a difficult time paying their water bills. The growing water affordability crisis can be directly tied to a decades-long disinvestment by the federal government in water infrastructure. In 1977, investments from the federal government made up 63 percent of total spending on water infrastructure. By 2014, the federal government’s contribution had dropped to 9 percent.

With this lack of federal investment, local communities have been unable to keep up with the large maintenance costs for ageing systems. Many projects get delayed, and, in other cases, the costs of large infrastructure projects are passed on to rate-payers—leading to skyrocketing water bills. In some communities, water bills have tripled over the last 10 years, and when individuals cannot pay their water bills they face water shutoffs, which jeopardizes their health and the health of their families.

Since 2004, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has been harnessing the collective power of more than 160 groups representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Learn more at www.healthylakes.org or follow us on Twitter @healthylakes.

The post Coalition Pushes $30 Billion in Water Infrastructure Funding to Protect Public Health, Reduce Pollution appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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Healing Our Waters Coalition

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Jordan Lubetkin

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Plan recognizes importance of investing in Great Lakes restoration to protect communities from storms, flooding and other impacts from climate change.

ANN ARBOR, MICH. (March 31, 2021)—The Biden Administration is releasing a sweeping national infrastructure plan today, drawing praise from the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition for its robust investment in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure that can help protect the health of communities and confront the worsening water affordability crisis in which millions of Americans are finding it difficult to pay for the essential service of water in their homes. The plan also emphasizes the importance of restoring aquatic and terrestrial habitats like the Great Lakes to help make our infrastructure and communities more resilient to flooding and other impacts from climate change.

“The Biden Administration’s plan will help millions of people in the Great Lakes region and across the country who are struggling to pay for higher and higher water bills and whose health is jeopardized by serious threats such as toxic lead contamination and sewage pollution,” said Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “The plan recognizes that healthy and resilient waters pave the way for healthy and resilient communities. We look forward to working with the Biden Administration and U.S. Congress to provide the level of federal investment that is needed to restore the Great Lakes and fix the nation’s inadequate water infrastructure so that we can protect our drinking water, Great Lakes, public health, jobs, and quality of life. We need to take action now, because these problems will only get worse and more expensive to solve the longer we wait.”

The Biden Administration’s American Jobs Plan seeks to invest $111 billion to ensure clean, safe water is available to all communities. The plan prioritizes the replacement of all the nation’s lead pipes and service lines, addresses the growing threat of toxic contaminants like PFAS, and provides grants and flexible loans to our most vulnerable communities.

The Great Lakes states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin need more than $188 billion over 20 years to meet clean water objectives and to protect the health of local communities, according to the U.S. EPA. Further, between 6 million and 10 million homes nationwide continue to receive their drinking water through lead service lines, posing a serious risk to their health.

The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has long championed a much more robust federal investment in our nation’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure to protect the health of people and to make water more affordable. Researchers estimate that by 2022, 1-in-3 Americans will have a difficult time paying their water bills. The growing water affordability crisis can be directly tied to a decades-long disinvestment by the federal government in water infrastructure. In 1977, investments from the federal government made up 63 percent of total spending on water infrastructure. By 2014, the federal government’s contribution had dropped to 9 percent.

With this lack of federal investment, local communities have been unable to keep up with the large maintenance costs for ageing systems. Many projects get delayed, and, in other cases, the costs of large infrastructure projects are passed on to rate-payers—leading to skyrocketing water bills. In some communities, water bills have tripled over the last 10 years, and when individuals cannot pay their water bills they face water shutoffs, which jeopardize their health and the health of their families.

Since 2004, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has been harnessing the collective power of more than 160 groups representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Learn more at www.healthylakes.org or follow us on Twitter @healthylakes.

The post Biden Infrastructure Plan Will Help Millions of People Struggling to Pay Water Bills, Threatened by Pollution appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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https://healthylakes.org/biden-infrastructure-plan-will-help-millions-of-people-struggling-to-pay-water-bills-threatened-by-pollution/

Jordan Lubetkin

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Coalition: ‘Bill a good step’ in addressing inadequate drinking water and wastewater infrastructure that threatens the health of communities.

ANN ARBOR, MICH. (March 24, 2021)—The Senate Environment and Public Works committee advanced a bill today to ramp up federal investment in the nation’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, confront toxic lead contamination, build water system resiliency, and prioritize help to disadvantaged communities that have been most impacted by pollution. The Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021 now heads to the full Senate for a vote. The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition supports a robust federal investment in the nation’s water infrastructure and sent a letter to Senate leaders supporting swift action.

“This bill is a good step in addressing the nation’s inadequate drinking water and wastewater infrastructure that continues to threaten the health of communities and residents,” said Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “The decades-long disinvestment in our nation’s water infrastructure by the federal government has put communities in an untenable and inhumane situation, saddling them with skyrocketing water bills and leaving millions of citizens without clean drinking water. The federal government can and should provide support in the form of new, robust investment to fix our water infrastructure before the problem gets worse and more expensive to solve. We look forward to working with the leaders in the Senate to pass and fund legislation to protect the health of our communities and our Great Lakes.”

The Great Lakes states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin face more than $188 billion in needed repairs and upgrades for their water infrastructure over the next 20 years to meet the clean water needs of communities. Earlier this month, the American Society of Civil Engineers released its infrastructure report card, handing out scathing grades for the nation’s water infrastructure, with drinking water earning a “C-,” stormwater a “D,” and wastewater a “D+.”

The House of Representatives is also considering sweeping legislation to address the nation’s drinking water and wastewater crisis.

Since 2004, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has been harnessing the collective power of more than 160 groups representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Learn more at www.healthylakes.org or follow us on Twitter @healthylakes.

The post Senate Committee Advances Water Infrastructure Bill appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/senate-committee-advances-water-infrastructure-bill/

Jordan Lubetkin

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ANN ARBOR, MICH. (March 17, 2021)—The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition is hailing the introduction of new legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act of 2021, that invests $50 billion over five years to update antiquated water infrastructure. The Great Lakes states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin face more than $188 billion in repairs and upgrades to their drinking water and wastewater infrastructure over the next 20 years to meet the needs of communities.

Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, said:

“This bill goes a long way in the effort to provide clean drinking water to communities, prevent sewage contamination and other pollutants from harming people’s health, and restoring the Great Lakes. Every person in this country deserves access to clean, safe and affordable water, and this bill provides a level of investment that will help reduce pollution and make water bills more affordable for people. We thank Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), Chairwoman Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.), and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa) for their leadership on this bill. We look forward to working with the House to pass this bill, before the problems become worse and more expensive to solve.”

The Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act of 2021 boosts investments in the EPA’s popular Clean Water State Revolving Fund to $40 billion over five years and provides billions of dollars in grants to address stormwater, sewer overflows, watershed-based pilot programs, and toxic PFAS cleanup.

Since 2004, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has been harnessing the collective power of more than 160 groups representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Learn more at www.healthylakes.org or follow us on Twitter @healthylakes.

The post Coalition Hails Bill to Invest $50 Billion in Water Infrastructure appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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https://healthylakes.org/coalition-hails-bill-to-invest-50-billion-in-water-infrastructure/

Dan Katz

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In: Fox Locks in the News, Important information, Press Releases


Our goal is to reopen the Menasha Lock, but not without a solution that prevents the invasive round goby from entering the waters of Lake Winnebago. To that end, we have been working with a firm to study the effects of an electronic barrier and water velocity on deterring the fish from entering the lock channel.

Researchers reported the result of studies on adult round gobies at the most recent meeting of the Fox Locks board of directors. Study results show that an electronic barrier combined with increased water velocity deters adult round gobies from entering the lock channel. The current plan calls for building an electric array near the bottom of the Menasha lock channel that would pulse and push the gobies away or immobilize them. Changes in water velocity in the lock channel would be used to flush the lock and further push the gobies away.

The Wisconsin DNR had previously requested the study also be conducted on larval and juvenile round goby. That phase of the study is scheduled for later this year after egg and larvae collection is completed in summer.

“Above all, we are committed to finding a solution that protects the Lake Winnebago ecosystem and allows us to reopen the lock,” said Fox Locks CEO Jeremy Cords.

“We are as concerned about protecting the watershed and the fishing resource as the DNR is, so we are conducting the scientific research carefully and thoroughly.”

If the study results support the efficacy of the electronic barrier, other testing and approvals would need to take place before construction, barring setbacks and with swift approval construction could take place in the not-too-distant future. “Again, we will need to go through a period of testing the barrier and fine tuning theelectronic array, so this timeline is very preliminary,” Cords said.

In a related matter, the board heard a report on aquatic invasive species monitoring. Fox Lockshas been monitoring invasive species in the Fox River since 2006 and each summer tests waters in the Fox River and locations in Lake Winnebago. Two results were significant:

  • Testing sites in the waters of Lake Winnebago and near shore turned up no samples of round gobies.
  • In 2020, we added more testing sites and logged almost 10,000 hours of fishing yet found fewer round gobies at all locations compared to 2019.

“We don’t know if the native species are feasting on the round gobies, or if there’s a natural dip in the population, but further study will determine if there’s a trend developing,” Cords said.

If you have any questions or concerns about the round goby study or reopening the Menasha lock, please visit our contact page.

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Blog – Fox Locks

Blog – Fox Locks

http://foxlocks.org/2021/03/02/update-on-menasha-lock-status/

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The inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States presents opportunities to accelerate progress to protect and restore the Great Lakes and our nation’s drinking water and reverse environmental injustices that have disproportionately impacted people of color, low-income communities, and indigenous tribes, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition said today.

“The Biden Administration has the opportunity to accelerate progress to restore the Great Lakes, protect our drinking water, and help the most vulnerable communities overcome the serious threats of pollution and unsafe water,” said Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “Clean water priorities in the region fit squarely with Biden Administration priorities to energize our economy, stand up for racial equity, and confront the climate crisis. We urge President Biden to take strong and decisive action to protect and restore the Great Lakes, ensure every person has access to safe and affordable drinking water, and invite hard-hit communities to the decision-making table. White House leadership, in collaboration with Congress, will be essential to boost federal investment in clean water programs that have been producing results for the environment and economy in communities across the region.

“We look forward to working with the Biden Administration to swiftly address these concerns by championing clean water priorities that achieve ecological outcomes, while addressing environmental injustices. Clean water is a basic need, yet too many cities and towns struggle with unsafe water. The Biden Administration has the opportunity to ensure that clean and affordable water is available to everyone in the region by addressing systemic inequities that have led to widespread water shutoffs in people’s homes, persistent toxic lead contamination, and a growing water affordability crisis that, if not addressed, by 2022 will leave 1-in-3 Americans at risk of water bills they cannot afford to pay.

“The good news is that we have solutions to these problems. We look forward to partnering with the Biden Administration and the U.S. Congress to confront these serious threats to our drinking water now, before the problems get worse and more expensive to solve.”

Top priorities for the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition include boosting federal investments in drinking water and sewage treatment infrastructure, Great Lakes restoration and protection, lead-line replacement, and assistance to vulnerable communities—priorities that the Biden Administration can show leadership on with the release of its first annual budget in the coming months. The Coalition also strives to uphold clean water protections, secure drinking water protections for toxic PFAS and other contaminants, and to reverse roll-backs to drinking water and environmental safeguards undertaken by the previous presidential administration.

The post Coalition: Biden Administration Can Accelerate Progress to Restore Great Lakes, Protect Drinking Water, Help Vulnerable Communities appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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https://healthylakes.org/coalition-biden-administration-can-accelerate-progress-to-restore-great-lakes-protect-drinking-water-help-vulnerable-communities/

Pavan Vangipuram

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In a major victory for Great Lakes and clean water advocates, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2019 was signed into law yesterday by President Trump, paving the way for President-elect Biden and Congress to continue funding the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for five years, and increasing the program’s annual funding from $300 million to $475 million by 2026. Enactment of the law has been a top priority for the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition.

Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition, said:

“This is a huge victory for the more than 30 million people who rely on the Great Lakes for their drinking water, health, jobs, recreation, and quality of life. Over the past decade, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has been producing results for communities across the region, but serious threats remain. This bill recognizes the work we have left to do, and allows President-elect Biden and Congress to boost funding to tackle these threats before they get worse and more expensive to solve.

“We thank the Great Lakes congressional delegation for their relentless determination to pass this bill and to ensure that the Great Lakes and clean water remain national priorities. We applaud U.S. Reps. David Joyce (R-Ohio) and Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) and U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) for their leadership, as well as the many Democrats and Republicans who worked in a spirit of bi-partisanship to get this legislation across the finish line.

“We look forward to working with elected officials to ensure that this successful program continues to meet ecological objectives while confronting environmental injustices that afflict the most vulnerable communities. We have the opportunity to lift up and help all communities – especially those that have borne the brunt of pollution and environmental harm.”

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative invests in local projects in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to clean up toxic pollution, fight invasive species, reduce runoff from cities and farms, and restore fish and wildlife habitat. The initiative has supported 5,449 projects that are helping to better the environment and economy.

The post Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act Signed Into Law, Boosting Great Lakes Funding appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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Pavan Vangipuram

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ANN ARBOR, MICH. (December 22, 2020)—End-of-year legislation to fund the government will boost investments to protect and restore the Great Lakes, increasing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative from $320 million to $330 million. The initiative is a top priority for the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition.

Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, said:

“This budget will keep Great Lakes restoration and protection efforts moving forward, even in the midst of a pandemic. These investments are encouraging to see.

“We’re happy to see Congress continue to support efforts to protect our Great Lakes, drinking water, public health, and quality of life. Federal investments in the lakes are producing results, but serious threats still remain. We look forward to final passage of this bill so that we can continue to move forward to help better our environment, economy, and public health.”

The massive $2.4 trillion package not only includes the consolidated federal budget bill, but also contains clean water investment priorities in the Water Resources Development Act to stop invasive Asian carp, support nature-based solutions to prevent flooding and storm damage, and assist vulnerable communities in addressing pollution. Congress, in its coronavirus relief package attached to the omnibus bill, also includes $638 million for vulnerable communities and utilities in drinking water and wastewater assistance.

Despite this progress, the U.S. Congress declined to enact a nationwide moratorium on water shutoffs leaving thousands – if not millions – without water at a time when clean water is essential to combat the spread of the coronavirus. Congress also failed to boost funding for drinking water and sewage treatment infrastructure at a level commensurate to the need. More than $188 billion is needed in the Great Lakes states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to fix and update inadequate water infrastructure that has led to ongoing sewage contamination as well as skyrocketing water bills for people.

“Congress left  important work on the table,” said Rubin. “Our job is not done until we’ve put an end to people having their drinking water shut off to their homes and to sewage contamination that threatens our health. We must upgrade our outdated drinking water and sewage treatment infrastructure now, before these problems get worse and more expensive. Congress needs to act with purpose and urgency to ensure that every person in this country has access to clean, safe, and affordable water. The health of our communities depends on it.”

The post Final U.S. Budget Gives Great Lakes Funding Bump appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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https://healthylakes.org/final-u-s-budget-gives-great-lakes-funding-bump/

Pavan Vangipuram

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ANN ARBOR, MICH. (December 21, 2020)—In a major victory for Great Lakes and clean water advocates, the U.S. Senate last night unanimously passed the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2019. The bill allows Congress to continue funding the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for five years, and increases the program’s annual funding from $300 million to $475 million by 2026. The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the bill earlier this year by a vote of 373 to 45. The legislation heads to President Donald Trump for signature. Passage of the bill is a top priority for the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition.

Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition, said:

“This is tremendous news for the more than 30 million people who rely on the Great Lakes for their drinking water, health, jobs, recreation, and quality of life. Over the past decade, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has been producing results for communities across the region, but serious threats remain. This bill recognizes the work we have left to do, and allows Congress to boost funding to tackle these threats before they get worse and more expensive to solve.

“We thank U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) for their leadership and determination to get this bill across the finish line. We also thank U.S. Reps. David Joyce (R-Ohio) and Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) for their leadership to rally support in the House, as well as the many Democrats and Republicans who worked in a spirit of bi-partisanship to make sure that Great Lakes restoration and protection continues to be a national priority. Clean water is a basic need, and we need to do everything we can to ensure that clean, safe and affordable drinking water is available to everyone.

“We look forward to working with federal elected officials to ensure that this successful program continues to meet ecological objectives while confronting environmental injustices that afflict the most vulnerable communities. We have the opportunity to lift up and help all communities – especially those that have borne the brunt of pollution and environmental harm.”

Support for the Great Lakes Restoration Act has produced strong bipartisan support in the Senate with 13 co-sponsors (in addition to lead sponsor Sen. Stabenow) and in the House with 49 co-sponsors (in addition to lead sponsor Rep. Joyce). The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative invests in local projects in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to clean up toxic pollution, fight invasive species, reduce runoff from cities and farms, and restore fish and wildlife habitat. The initiative has supported 5,449 projects that are helping to better the environment and economy.

The post U.S. Senate Vote Paves Way to Boost Great Lakes Funding appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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Pavan Vangipuram

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ANN ARBOR, MICH. (December 9, 2020) – The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 yesterday, paving the way for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers investments to keep invasive Asian carp out of the Great Lakes and to prevent flooding in communities through nature-based solutions. The bill (S. 1811) also prioritizes better consultation with local communities—especially those that have historically borne the brunt of pollution, such as minority, low-income and indigenous communities—when carrying out projects. The bill does not re-authorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the successful program that has been cleaning up toxic pollution, restoring wildlife habitat, and reducing runoff pollution.

Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, said:

“This bill advances important priorities for the Great Lakes and the millions of people who depend on them for their drinking water, health, jobs, and quality of life. We support many provisions in this bill and look forward to final passage by the Senate. However, we are disappointed the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act was left out of the final package. We look forward to working with bipartisan members of Congress to ensure that we re-authorize this important program that is producing results for the environment and economy. Serious threats remain, and it’s important to address these problems now, before they get worse and most expensive to solve.”

The bill now heads to the Senate for final passage. It includes several provisions that are important to Great Lakes communities, including:

  • Authorizing Brandon Road Lock and Dam to help prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes.
  • Expanding the Corps of Engineers Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study that will provide critical guidance to help protect communities, infrastructure and ecosystems from flooding and high lake levels.
  • Prioritizing nature-based features (vegetation such as wetlands, parks, rain gardens) in Army Corps projects.
  • New standards for consultation with local and vulnerable communities.
  • New technical assistance and pilot programs to address resiliency planning and flood risk reduction in economically disadvantaged and rural communities.

The Healing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition sent a letter to House and Senate leaders, supporting Great Lakes priorities in the bill, while urging Congress to enact the full five-year reauthorization for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative via some other method, as previously proposed and passed, with incremental increases to its original funding level of $475 million.

Since 2004, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has been harnessing the collective power of more than 160 groups representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Learn more at www.healthylakes.org or follow us on Twitter @healthylakes.

The post U.S. House Passes Water Infrastructure Bill with Great Lakes Priorities appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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https://healthylakes.org/u-s-house-passes-water-infrastructure-bill-with-great-lakes-priorities/

Pavan Vangipuram

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ANN ARBOR, MICH. (November 12, 2021) – The U.S. Senate released its annual budget bills on Tuesday, providing status-quo funding for core Great Lakes and clean water programs and omitting more than $11 billion in House-backed supplemental investments to fix drinking water and sewage infrastructure and tackle chronic lead contamination.

Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, said:

“The Senate’s budget bills signal business as usual at a time when urgent threats to our drinking water and public health demand a more robust response. We urge Senate and House members, as they work to forge a budget compromise, to ensure that every person has access to clean, safe and affordable water by substantially boosting federal investments in clean water priorities that will accelerate progress in restoring the Great Lakes, protecting our drinking water, improving access to affordable water, safeguarding our public health, and bolstering the economy.”

The U.S. Senate funding bills include:

  • Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Senate Proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2021: $320 million – same as Fiscal Year 2020 enacted. House FY2021: Up to $335 million — $15 million increase from FY2020.
  • Clean Water State Revolving Fund: Senate FY2021: $1,638,826,000 — no increase from FY2020. House FY2021: same.
  • Drinking Water State Revolving Fund: Senate FY2021: $1,126,088,000 — no increase from FY2020. House: same.
  • Small and Disadvantaged Communities program: Senate FY2021: $26.408 million — $1 million increase from FY2020. House FY2021: $26 million — $592,000 increase from FY2020.
  • Lead testing in Schools program: Senate FY2021: $26.5 million — $500,000 increase from FY2020. House FY2021: $26,000,000 — no increase from FY2020.
  • Reducing Lead in Drinking Water program: Senate FY2021: $21.511 million — $2 million increase from FY2020. House: $20 million — $489,000 increase from FY2020.
  • 221 Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants: Senate FY2021: $32 million — 4 million increase from FY2020. House FY2021: $56,700,000 — $28.7 million increase.

The U.S. House has included the following emergency supplemental funding. The Senate has not included any emergency supplemental funding in its budget bills.

  • Clean Water State Revolving Fund: $6.355 billion
  • Drinking Water State Revolving Fund: $3.855 billion
  • Lead Testing in Schools: $50 million
  • Reducing Lead in Drinking Water: $500 million
  • 221 Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants: $400 million

The post U.S. Senate Releases Business-As-Usual Budget Bills appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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Pavan Vangipuram

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In: appleton fall colors, boating fall colors, Events, fall river tour, fox locks, Fox Locks in the News, fox river fall colors, fox river lock system, Press Releases, wisconsin fall colors

Boaters can take advantage of free lockage on the weekend of October 10 and 11 from 10 am- 6 pm to view the fall colors from the Fox River. Locks at DePere, Little Kaukauna (Little Rapids), Appleton, and Little Chute will provide free lockage for boaters who want to use the locks for one last time in the 2020 season. In addition, pedestrians have access to locks located in DePere, Little Chute, Menasha and Appleton locks. For location maps, please visit www.foxlocks.org.

            “The most beautiful views of the foliage are right from the Fox River,” said Jeremy Cords, CEO of the Fox River Navigational System Authority (FRNSA). “We want boaters and pedestrians to see the breathtaking scenery from the locks, so we’ll waive fees for this weekend to encourage more people to use the locks.”

            Boat traffic through the lock system on the lower Fox River is up over past years, an indication that regional residents are choosing recreational activities closer to home during this time of pandemic. In June of 2020, a total of 1,250 motorized and non-motorized crafts passed through the lock system carrying 5,055 passengers. This is more than twice the number of boats through the locks than at the same time in 2019.

            Navigation on the full system ended September 20. The lock system on the Fox River is one of the only fully restored, hand-operated lock systems in the nation and all locks are on the National Register of Historic Places. Just as they did when the locks were built in the 1850s, lock tenders open and close the giant gates and valves by hand.

Original Article

Blog – Fox Locks

Blog – Fox Locks

http://foxlocks.org/2020/09/22/fox-locks-open-for-free-fall-colors-weekend/

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It’s not every day you see a giant barge slip through the locks, but September 15 was that day. Occasionally, Radtke Contractors asks for a special lockage to transport their equipment via barge. The locks are just large enough to accommodate this barge and you can see the tight fit in this video:

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Blog – Fox Locks

http://foxlocks.org/2020/09/16/barge-travels-through-appleton-locks/

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This is an update on action taken at the board of directors’ recent meeting.

The board of directors of the Fox River Navigational System Authority (FRNSA) voted to stop the development of a visitor center slated for construction at lock three located near Appleton’s Lawe Street. Plans had called for developing an interpretive center chronicling the history of the lock system in a multi-use building adjacent to the lock. The unanimous vote was taken at the board’s monthly meeting August 25, 2020.

Leaders of FRNSA cited the economic uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic as the catalyst for suspending development plans.

“Interpretive centers and museums across the country are either shut down or operating on reduced hours due to the pandemic,” said Jeremy Cords, CEO of FRNSA. “It is not responsible to invest substantial sums of money into this development when we are facing economic uncertainty and prolonged social distancing.” The visitor center had been proposed as a major destination for school and tour groups. 

Cords and other board members also reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to completing research necessary to re-open the closed Menasha lock. The authority is currently conducting research on the effects of water velocity and an electronic barrier on the life cycle of the invasive round goby. The research is expected to affirm that an electronic barrier installed at the Menasha lock will be effective in preventing the round goby from entering the Lake Winnebago watershed through the Menasha lock. The total cost of this research project is estimated at $120,000. 

“Our first responsibility is to maintain access to the lock system,” Cords said. “We are passionate about sharing the living history of the lock system with state residents and with maintaining the environmental beauty of the Fox River by keeping the locks open and functioning.”             

Of the 17 locks on the lower Fox River, all have been restored and are in working order. Currently, nine of the locks are open for approximately 25 miles of navigation on the river.  The five Kaukauna locks are expected to open in 2021 when repairs to the Veterans Memorial lift Bridge in downtown Kaukauna are complete. The Menasha lock was closed in 2015 by request of the Wisconsin DNR to prevent the round goby from reaching Lake Winnebago through the lock.

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http://foxlocks.org/2020/08/27/visitor-center-plans-cancelled-round-goby-research-continues/

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Board member Jean Romback-Bartels speaks at groundbreaking for Fox River Trail
FRNSA board member Jean Romback-Bartels speaks at groundbreaking for Fox River Trail

We welcome an exciting new project to the Little Chute neighborhood! The Village of Little Chute and City of Kaukauna broke ground and celebrated a new project to build a walking trail/bridge connecting the two communities this week. The trail is anchored right next to the lock at Heesaker Park in Little Chute.  The trail is part of the Loop the Locks Trail project, winding through Appleton, Combined Locks, Kaukauna, Kimberly and Little Chute in about 15 miles of connected trails. Many of the trails run along the lock system.

At the event, Jean Rombak-Bartels, the secretary’s director for the Wisconsin DNR in Northeast Wisconsin, addressed the crowd. We are honored to have Jean serve as a member of the Fox River Navigtional System Authority board of directors.  

The head of the trail will be named the David and Rita Nelson Family Heritage in honor of a $650,000 challenge grant from the David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox River Valley Region

If you visit the lock or are traveling the river, you’ll see the cranes and construction crews working on the trail. 

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http://foxlocks.org/2020/08/20/construction-starts-on-pedestrian-trail-near-little-chute-lock/

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ANN ARBOR, MICH. (July 31, 2020) — The Healing Our Waters–Great Lakes Coalition applauds the passage of the U.S. House spending package (H.R. 7617) this afternoon, the second package key to funding Great Lakes programs across the region in fiscal year 2021, which begins Oct. 1. The two packages (the first of which cleared the House last week) include modest year-over-year increases that are bolstered substantially by more than $11 billion in emergency supplemental funding for clean water programs.

“The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition supports the House funding package that was passed today,” said Chad Lord, policy director for the Healing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition. “The two packages together substantially boost federal investments in clean water priorities that will accelerate progress in restoring the Great Lakes, protecting our drinking water, improving access to affordable water, safeguarding public health, and bolstering the economy.”

“The priorities in this bill are long-standing Coalition priorities, and we look forward to working with bipartisan members in the Senate to pass this legislation to better our environment, economy, and to protect our public health.”

Regular Appropriations:

  • Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Up to $335 million — $15 million increase from Fiscal Year 2020 enacted (FY2020).
  • Clean Water State Revolving Fund: $1,638,826,000 — no increase from FY2020.
  • Drinking Water State Revolving Fund: $1,126,088,000 — no increase from FY2020.
  • Small and Disadvantaged Communities program: $26,000,000 — $592,000 increase from FY2020.
  • Lead testing in Schools program: $26,000,000 — no increase from FY2020.
  • Reducing Lead in Drinking Water program: $20,000,000 — $489,000 increase from FY2020.
  • 221 Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants: $56,700,000 — $28.7 million increase.
  • NOAA Harmful Algal Blooms: $22,000,000 — $3 million increase.
  • NOAA Sea Grant: $71,000,000 — $4 million increase.
  • Chicago Sanitary Ship Canal Barrier – $14,300,000 — $360,000 increase.

Additional Emergency Supplemental Funding:

  • Clean Water State Revolving Fund: $6,355,000,000
  • Drinking Water State Revolving Fund: $3,855,000,000
  • Lead Testing in Schools program: $50,000,000
  • Reducing Lead in Drinking Water program: $1,000,000,000
  • 221 Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants: $400,000,000

The post Second Major Funding Package Clears U.S. House, Includes Great Lakes, Clean Water Priorities appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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https://healthylakes.org/second-major-funding-package-clears-u-s-house-includes-great-lakes-clean-water-priorities/

Pavan Vangipuram

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ANN ARBOR, Mich. (July 29, 2020) — The House of Representatives today passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 by a voice vote. The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition supports several core Great Lakes and clean water priorities in the bill that help stop Asian carp, halt toxic algal outbreaks, and create incentives for nature-based solutions to flooding and other environmental problems. The bill also calls for expanding an existing study to look at the impact of record high lake levels on coastal flooding, storm damage, ecosystem restoration and recreation.

“This bill advances solutions to confront serious threats facing the Great Lakes and communities—and the investments it makes in clean water priorities will benefit our environment and economy,” said Chad Lord, policy director for the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “We thank members of the Great Lakes congressional delegation for standing up for our Great Lakes, drinking water, public health, and quality of life.”

The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works passed similar water infrastructure legislation in April, which not only included the Water Resources Development Act, but also supported critical investments in stormwater, drinking water, and wastewater infrastructure.

“Water infrastructure legislation is moving in both the House and Senate,” continued Lord. “Clean water is a basic need. Now is the time for Congress to come together and pass a water infrastructure bill that helps Great Lakes communities ensure everyone has access to safe, affordable water.”

The Water Resources Development Act (H.R. 7575) authorizes the construction of the Brandon Road Lock and Dam to prevent invasive Asian Carp from entering the Great Lakes and wreaking environmental and economic harm.

The bill also contains provisions to study and combat the rise of toxic algal blooms, which can poison drinking water and threaten the health of communities which rely on the Great Lakes for water.

In addition, the 2020 Water Resources Development Act includes provisions for:

  • Nature-based solution for flood control projects in which wetlands, parks, forests, and rain gardens absorb rain and storm water before it overwhelms communities.
  • Studies of the effects that rising lake levels are having on Great Lakes communities.
  • Technical assistance to non-Federal interests and federal agencies to plan for increased flooding and extreme weather caused by climate change.
  • A pilot program to explore strategies for damage reduction during extreme weather events for economically disadvantaged communities.

The Coalition sent a letter to the Senate Committee outlining provisions it supports in April. You can read it here.

Congress must reconcile the two bills this fall before sending final legislation to the President.

The post House Passes Bill, Bolstering Defenses Against Asian Carp, Toxic Algae appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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Pavan Vangipuram

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In: Boating, boating fox river, Events, fox locks, fox river boating, fox river locks, Important information, Press Releases

Boat traffic through the lock system on the lower Fox River is up over past years, an indication that regional residents are choosing recreational activities closer to home during this time of pandemic. In June of 2020, a total of 1,250 motorized and non-motorized crafts passed through the lock system carrying 5,055 passengers. This is more than twice the number of boats through the locks than at the same time in 2019.

            “We’ve had steady growth in lock usage in recent years, but this level of traffic shows us that regional residents are becoming more familiar with the lock system and spending more time on the water,” said Jeremy Cords, CEO of the Fox River Navigational Authority (FRNSA). The Authority manages the 17 locks on the lower Fox River.

            Usage statistics show the following trends:

 BoatsNon-motorizedTOTALPassengers
June 201880640 8463674
June 2019545285732661
June 202011638712505055

            For this past 4th of July weekend, 156 boaters passed through the locks compared to 94 boaters in 2019. 

            Of the 39-mile lock system about 25 miles are open for navigation. Boaters can travel from the bay of Green Bay to the Rapide Croche lock just south of Wrightstown. The river is also navigable from the Rapide Croche lock south through Little Lake Butte des Morts to the closed Menasha lock. Both the Menasha lock and the Rapide Croche lock are closed to prevent the spread of invasive species.

            “As we open more stretches of the river to navigation, we expect these trends will continue to grow for both boaters and pedestrians interested in the lock system,” Cords said. Right now, work is underway to restore the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Kaukauna to working order, which will open the five locks in Kaukauna to boater traffic. Work is expected to be complete in 2021.

            The Menasha lock will remain closed to prevent the spread of the invasive round goby. An electric barrier has been proposed for this lock to prevent the fish from entering the Lake Winnebago watershed and research is currently underway to assess the effects of a barrier on all the life stages of the fish.

            The lock system on the Fox River is one of the only fully restored, hand-operated lock systems in the nation. From 2005-2015 the Fox River Navigational System Authority (FRNSA) restored 16 of the 17 locks on the system at an investment of $14.5 million. 

            A 2017 economic impact study conducted by the University of Wisconsin—Oshkosh indicated the lock system could generate as much as $290 million in total economic output over a ten year period and generate as many as 6,300 additional jobs. The study further indicates a fully operational lock system could generate $99 million in additional business investment over the same time period.             The Fox Locks operate through Labor Day 2020. 

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http://foxlocks.org/2020/07/28/fox-river-locks-usage-increases-in-june-2020/

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ANN ARBOR, MICH. (July 24, 2020) — The Healing Our Waters — Great Lakes Coalition applauds the U.S. House of Representatives and its Great Lakes Delegation for passing the Interior and Environment funding bill this afternoon. The bill’s modest year-over-year increases are bolstered substantially by more than $11 billion in emergency supplemental funding for clean water programs.

“The Healing Our Waters — Great Lakes Coalition fully supports the House Interior and Environment funding bill that was passed today,” said Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters — Great Lakes Coalition. “The bill substantially boosts federal investments in clean water priorities that will accelerate progress in restoring the Great Lakes, protecting our drinking water, improving access to affordable water, safeguarding public health, and bolstering the economy.

“The priorities in this bill are long-standing Coalition priorities, and we look forward to working with bipartisan members in the Senate to pass this legislation to better our environment and economy and to protect our public health.”

The bill also includes an additional $500 million in emergency supplemental funding for lead pipe replacement through the Reducing Lead in Drinking Water program. Lead by Rep. Tlaib (MI-13) and Rep. Kildee (MI-05), supported by the Coalition and approved by the House, the amendment doubled the funds available for the program.

The Interior and Environment funding bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. The funding bill includes:

Regular Appropriations:

  • Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Up to $335 million — $15 million increase from Fiscal Year 2020 enacted (FY2020).
  • Clean Water State Revolving Fund: $1,638,826,000 — no increase from FY2020.
  • Drinking Water State Revolving Fund: $1,126,088,000 — no increase from FY2020.
  • Small and Disadvantaged Communities program: $26,000,000 — $592,000 increase from FY2020.
  • Lead testing in Schools program: $26,000,000 — no increase from FY2020.
  • Reducing Lead in Drinking Water program: $20,000,000 — $489,000 increase from FY2020.
  • 221 Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants: $56,700,000 — $28.7 million increase.

Additional Emergency Supplemental Funding:

  • Clean Water State Revolving Fund: $6,355,000,000
  • Drinking Water State Revolving Fund: $3,855,000,000
  • Lead Testing in Schools program: $50,000,000
  • Reducing Lead in Drinking Water program: $1,000,000,000
  • 221 Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants: $400,000,000

The bill includes funding for fiscal year 2021, which begins October 1, 2020, and ends September 30, 2021.

The post Great Lakes Coalition Applauds House Passage of Major Infrastructure Bill appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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https://healthylakes.org/great-lakes-coalition-applauds-house-passage-of-major-infrastructure-bill/

Pavan Vangipuram

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ANN ARBOR, MICH. (July 10, 2020)—The Healing Our Waters Great Lakes Coalition is strongly supporting the U.S. House Interior and Environment funding bill, which passed out of committee today and contains substantial increases in clean water priorities, including Great Lakes restoration, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, and lead-reduction in drinking water. The bill’s modest year-over-year increases are bolstered substantially by more than $11 billion in emergency supplemental funding for clean water programs in the bill.

“The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition fully supports the House Interior and Environment funding bill that was passed out of committee today,” said Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “The bill substantially boosts federal investments in clean water priorities that will accelerate progress in restoring the Great Lakes, protecting our drinking water, improving access to affordable water, safeguarding public health, and bolstering the economy.

“The priorities in this bill are long-standing Coalition priorities, and we look forward to working with bipartisan members in the House to pass this legislation to better our environment and economy and to protect our public health.”

The Interior and Environment funding bill now heads to the full House of Representatives for consideration. The House is expected to vote on the bill later this month. The funding bill includes:

Regular Appropriations:

  1. Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Up to $335 million — $15 million increase from Fiscal Year 2020 enacted (FY2020).
  2. Clean Water State Revolving Fund: $1,638,826,000 — no increase from FY2020.
  3. Drinking Water State Revolving Fund: $1,126,088,000 — no increase from FY2020.
  4. Small and Disadvantaged Communities program: $26,000,000 — $592,000 increase from FY2020.
  5. Lead testing in Schools program: $26,000,000 — no increase from FY2020.
  6. Reducing Lead in Drinking Water program: $20,000,000 — $489,000 increase from FY2020.
  7. Sec. 221 Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants: $56,700,000 — $28.7 million increase.

Additional Emergency Supplemental Funding:

  1. Clean Water State Revolving Fund: $6,355,000,000
  2. Drinking Water State Revolving Fund: $3,855,000,000
  3. Lead Testing in Schools: $50,000,000
  4. Reducing Lead in Drinking Water: $500,000,000
  5. Sec. 221 Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants: $400,000,000

The clean water priorities in the bill have been long-standing priorities for the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. The bill includes funding for fiscal year 2021, which begins October 1, 2020, and ends September 30, 2021.

The post Coalition Applauds $11 Billion Boost for Drinking Water, Great Lakes in House Bill appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/coalition-applauds-11-billion-boost-for-drinking-water-great-lakes-in-house-bill/

Pavan Vangipuram

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The Healing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition is providing $25,000 in ­­grants to community organizations working to assist those who have felt the myriad effects of COVID-19, specifically related to clean water.­

Grantees include Abiinooji-Aki Inc. in Hayward, Wis., the Flint Development Center in Flint, Mich., the Junction Coalition in Toledo, Ohio, True Skool in Milwaukee, Wis., and Milwaukee Water Commons in Milwaukee, Wis. Each will receive a $5,000 grant toward new and ongoing water equity work, particularly oriented around helping overcome challenges presented by COVID-19.

“We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has been disproportionately impacting low-income communities and communities of color, particularly Black and indigenous communities,” said Healing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition Director Laura Rubin. “Several of our member organizations serve communities that struggle with access to clean water and water-based recreation, water affordability, and water equity issues. We hope that these grants can help them continue to do this important work.”

“This grant will give Milwaukee Water Commons the capacity to implement new, crisis-specific technological and communications strategies to strengthen our coalitions and increase the capacity of our partners to work for water equity and justice, which is even more critical during this time of COVID-19 crisis and its disproportionate impact on communities of color,” said Milwaukee Water Commons Co-Executive Director Brenda Coley.

“Water is so vital and most needed for all of eternity and beyond,” said MaryEllen Baker of Abiinooji-Aki Inc. “My body, mind and spirit is so touched with the thoughts of how many individuals, families, communities and countries we’ll be able to enlighten about life, water, and Mother Earth with the Women and Water Symposium this August.”

“We are TRUEly grateful for the BOLD doers out there and we are inspired more than ever. People are stepping up and working together in collective support, that’s #TRUEgiving, said Shalina S. Ali, co-executive director of TRUE Skool. “TRUE Skool has continued to engage our amazing youth and community network during these uncertain times and this investment helps with unforeseen adjustments. “

The list of grantees includes:

Abiinooji-Aki Inc: Founded in 1992, Abiinooji-Aki works to empower the Ojibwe Tribe in the northern Great Lakes. This grant will go toward the 4th Annual Women and Water Coming Together Symposium, August 2-6, bringing together women and men and providing them with Native American Teachings, Healing Rituals, Songs and Stories to educate the public on the natural order of things around life and water. The goal is personal empowerment and advocacy for long-term clean water solutions.

Flint Development Center: A project of the Flint Development Group, the Flint Development Center is a community space that provides the residents of Flint facilities to safely engage in recreational, social and cultural programs. The grant will go toward bolstering The Mckenzie Croom Flint Community Lab and The Flint Communications HUB, as well as daily food and water drives and community outreach and education.

Junction Coalition: Serving the diverse Junction neighborhood of Toledo, Ohio, the Junction Coalition is a network of dedicated individuals working toward equitable outcomes for Toledo’s residents. The grant will go toward preventing water shutoffs and increasing citizen participation in local cleanup efforts.

Milwaukee Water Commons: Rooted in connection and community collaboration, Milwaukee Water Commons promotes stewardship of, equitable access to and shared decision-making for our common waters. The grant will go toward communications efforts to support ongoing anti-racism work.

TRUE Skool: A grassroots art movement in Milwaukee, Wisc., TRUE Skool uses urban arts as a tool to engage youth in social justice and humanities education, community service, and civic engagement. This grant will go toward summer youth programs oriented toward environmental justice and water equity.

The post Great Lakes Coalition Awards $25,000 in COVID-19 Pandemic Emergency Assistance Grants to Frontline Groups appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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https://healthylakes.org/great-lakes-coalition-awards-25000-in-covid-19-pandemic-emergency-assistance-grants-to-frontline-groups/

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ANN ARBOR, MICH. (July 7, 2020)—The Healing Our Waters Great Lakes Coalition is strongly supporting the U.S. House Interior and Environment funding bill, which contains substantial increases in clean water priorities, including Great Lakes restoration, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, and lead-reduction in drinking water. The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies today approved by voice vote its fiscal year 2021 bill. The bill’s modest year-over-year increases are bolstered substantially by more than $11 billion in emergency supplemental funding for clean water programs that were added to the bill.

“The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition fully supports the House Interior and Environment funding bill,” said Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “The bill substantially boosts federal investments in clean water priorities that will accelerate progress in restoring the Great Lakes, protecting our drinking water, improving access to affordable water, safeguarding public health, and bolstering the economy. The priorities in this bill have been long-term Coalition priorities, and we look forward to working with bipartisan members in the House to pass this legislation to better our environment and economy, and to protect our public health.”

The Interior and Environment funding bill, which was favorably reported by the subcommittee today is headed for full committee vote on Friday, includes:

Regular Appropriations:

  • Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Up to $335 million — $15 million increase from Fiscal Year 2020 enacted (FY2020).
  • Clean Water State Revolving Fund: $1,638,826,000 — no increase from FY2020.
  • Drinking Water State Revolving Fund: $1,126,088,000 — no increase from FY2020.
  • Small and Disadvantaged Communities program: $26,000,000 — $592,000 increase from FY2020.
  • Lead testing in Schools program: $26,000,000 — no increase from FY2020.
  • Reducing Lead in Drinking Water program: $20,000,000 — $489,000 increase from FY2020.
  • Sec. 221 Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants: $56,700,000 — $28.7 million increase.

Additional Emergency Supplemental Funding:

  • Clean Water State Revolving Fund: $6,355,000,000
  • Drinking Water State Revolving Fund: $3,855,000,000
  • Lead Testing in Schools: $50,000,000
  • Reducing Lead in Drinking Water: $500,000,000
  • Sec. 221 Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants: $400,000,000

The clean water priorities in the bill have been long-standing priorities for the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. The bill includes funding for fiscal year 2021, which begins October 1, 2020, and ends September 30, 2021.

The post $11 Billion Boost for Drinking Water, Great Lakes in House Interior Bill appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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https://healthylakes.org/11-billion-boost-for-drinking-water-great-lakes-in-house-interior-bill/

Pavan Vangipuram

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In: appleton locks, fox locks, Fox Locks in the News, fox river boating, fox river locks, Important information, lock schedule appleton, Press Releases

Did you know that it takes about an hour to regenerate the water in the Appleton navigation canals after the locks are opened? That’s why we have what might seem to be an unusual operational schedule for Appleton lock 1 (near the Yacht Club) and Appleton lock 4 (near River Heath). Appleton lock 1 operates on even hours and Appleton lock 4 operates on odd numbered hours. If we didn’t give the navigational channels time to recycle, boaters will scrape their crafts on the bottom of the canal. For a full list of our scheduled hours, please visit this link.

So please be patient while nature takes its course as you travel through the four Appleton locks.

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Blog – Fox Locks

http://foxlocks.org/2020/07/01/clarification-of-appleton-hours/

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Did you know that it takes about an hour to regenerate the water in the Appleton navigation canals after the locks are opened? That’s why we have what might seem to be an unusual operational schedule for Appleton lock 1 (near the Yacht Club) and Appleton lock 4 (near River Heath). Appleton lock 1 operates on even hours and Appleton lock 4 operates on odd numbered hours. If we didn’t give the navigational channels time to recycle, boaters will scrape their crafts on the bottom of the canal. For a full list of our scheduled hours, please visit this link.

So please be patient while nature takes its course as you travel through the four Appleton locks.

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http://foxlocks.org/2020/07/01/clarification-of-appleton-hours/

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ANN ARBOR, MICH. (July 1, 2020)—The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Moving Forward Act, which would authorize over $1.5 trillion in new infrastructure spending. The bill, H.R. 2, includes $40 billion over five years for sewage infrastructure and boosts Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding to $475 million annually. It also devotes more than $1 billion over five years to help public utilities deal with toxic PFAS contamination. And it devotes more than $22 billion over five years to replace lead pipes into people’s homes. The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition supports the bill.

“We thank the members of the House of Representatives that voted for the Moving Forward Act, which will benefit communities, public health, and the Great Lakes,” said Healing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition Director Laura Rubin.  “The need for this investment in our nation’s infrastructure is undeniable and urgent. The federal government’s decades-long disinvestment in water infrastructure has led to a staggering $188 billion backlog in work in the Great Lakes region, public health crisis due to lead contamination and other pollutants in drinking water, and skyrocketing water rates that are leaving many people with unaffordable water bills. These new investments will go a long way in improving access and affordability to the basic need of clean drinking water. We look forward to working with bipartisan members of the Senate to pass and fund this legislation.”

U.S. Reps. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.), Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) were responsible for inserting into the bill the amendment authorizing $4.5 billion per year ($22.5 billion over five years) to replace dangerous lead pipes to protect people from lead poisoning.

The post House Passes Massive Infrastructure Bill to Benefit Drinking Water, Great Lakes appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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Pavan Vangipuram

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Many of the business practices we have at the Fox River Navigational System Authority already take into account social distancing simply due to the nature of our work at the locks. However, to comply with CDC guidelines and state recommendations, we are following these procedures to increase personal safety and limit exposure to the coronavirus.

In our offices:

  • We banned all external visitors from our offices by March 20 and immediately began to work from home.
  • All board meetings and committee meetings have been conducted via videoconference.

At the Locks: This summer we will employ 29 lock tenders at the nine locks on the system that are open for boaters.

  • The nature of operating the locks requires a lock tender to be at each end of the lock, a distance of about 145 feet.
  • Our annual opening day is delayed until May 30, 2020.
  • All lock tenders will be wearing face masks and have hand sanitizer at each lock gate.
  • Lock turnstyles, valve controls and ropes used for anchoring boaters will be wiped down and sanitized after each lockage.
  • When boaters enter the locks, they are between 15’-6’ below the lock’s retaining walls depending on the level of the river, and are naturally socially distanced from the lock tenders.
  • When lock tenders are collecting lock fees they will use a bucket on a pole to avoid contact with boaters.

Our goal is to provide a safe and memorable experience to all boaters traveling through the locks and to pedestrians who want to experience living history in action. For a complete listing of our operating hours and fees to travel the lock system, please visit this link. 

 

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http://foxlocks.org/2020/05/28/fox-locks-ensuring-your-safety/

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Many of the locks feature portages for kayaks or canoes and it is a great way to visit the locks and the Fox River. However, in recent years, people have been trespassing on the land and accessing the river at the closed Rapide Croche lock.

According to Wisconsin state statute, this lock must remain closed to boaters to prevent the spread of invasive species and it is not safe for pedestrians as high water has caused erosion on the banks. The property along the lock is fenced, “no trespassing” signs are posted, and the Fox River Navigational System Authority does not staff the lock.

Any person transporting a watercraft from the Fox River at the Rapide Croche lock has the potential to transport invasive species. Please understand that any person trespassing on this property is breaking state law. Also understand that the site is being monitored with cameras and periodic inspections. There are no businesses or organizations that have permission to use portage at this lock, so please pay attention to the no trespassing signs and enjoy the river at another portage site.

 

Original Article

Blog – Fox Locks

Blog – Fox Locks

http://foxlocks.org/2020/05/24/attention-kayakers-rapide-croche-lock-remains-closed/

Fox Locks

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In: Fox Locks in the News, Important information, Press Releases

The new chair of the Fox River Navigational System Authority is no stranger to the organization. We welcome back former board member Ron Van De Hey to serve as board chairman. He was appointed by Gov. Evers to fill out the remainder of Tim Rose’s term due to his passing. Ron previously served on the board of directors and ended his term in 2014. From 1982-1992 he served as mayor of Kaukauna (and is still affectionately known as Mayor Vandy) and worked for many years in the insurance industry. We are honored to have his leadership in our organization again!


Original Article

Blog – Fox Locks

Blog – Fox Locks

http://foxlocks.org/2020/05/17/2954/

Fox Locks

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In: Press Releases

The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition is supporting a bill introduced today in the U.S. House of Representatives that reverses the Trump Administration’s roll-back of clean water protections. The “Clean Water for All Act” stops the Trump Administration’s removal of protections for streams and wetlands—waters that feed public drinking water supplies for more than 117 million people across the country, including nearly 30 million people in the Great Lakes states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, said:

“We wholeheartedly support this bill. Clean water is a basic need. With many of our cities and towns living with unsafe drinking water, we need more – not less – protection for clean water. We cannot allow pollution into small waterways without it affecting the rest of the water we all depend on. We all know wetlands and streams flow into small rivers, which flow into bigger rivers, and into lakes, including our Great Lakes, and ultimately the ocean. We look forward to working with elected officials to support this bill and protect our drinking water, our Great Lakes, and our public health.”

Within two years of the bill’s passage, a new clean water rule is to be crafted by the administrator of the EPA and secretary of the Army. According to the bill, the rule must prevent any: degradation of surface water quality; increased contaminant levels in drinking water sources; increased risks to human life or property; and disproportionate adverse impacts on minority or low-income populations.

The post Coalition Supports Bill Reversing Trump Attacks on Clean Water appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

Original Article

Healing Our Waters Coalition

Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/coalition-supports-bill-reversing-trump-attacks-on-clean-water/

Pavan Vangipuram