Lakeshore Flood Advisory issued August 02 at 10:15PM CDT until August 04 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS (Page 2,495)

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.

Original Article

Healing Our Waters Coalition

Healing Our Waters Coalition

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

Pavan Vangipuram

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.

Original Article

Healing Our Waters Coalition

Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/house-passes-bill-bolstering-defenses-against-asian-carp-toxic-algae/

Pavan Vangipuram