Walberg Announces Grants to Protect Great Lakes Water Quality

Jackson, MI—Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) today announced that two organizations in Michigan's 7th District have been awarded a total of nearly $400,000 in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grants by the Great Lakes Commission. The Hillsdale Conservation District was awarded $199,998 for a project to reduce phosphorus and sediment in the Tiffin River and the Western Lake Erie basin, and the Lenawee Conservation District was awarded $200,000 to reduce phosphorus and sediment in River Raisin watershed.

"It's great to see Hillsdale and Lenawee Conservation Districts recognized for their important work to protect the health of our waterways and communities," said Rep. Walberg. "These grants also highlight the need to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to continue protecting the Great Lakes, which are a vital economic and environmental asset for Michigan."

"Congratulations to both organizations for receiving this funding to protect water quality in the Great Lakes," said Tim Eder, executive director of the Great Lakes Commission. "This project is yet another example of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative generating important economic and environmental improvements in communities across the region. Thank you to Rep. Walberg for your continued support of this important initiative."

The Great Lakes Commission's Great Lakes Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Program strategically addresses polluting phosphorus and sediments from entering the Great Lakes Basin with a unique, targeted grass roots approach which awards grants to nonfederal agencies and nonprofit organizations in priority watersheds throughout the region.

Funding for this program is provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative under a cooperative agreement between the Great Lakes Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service.

In addition to supporting the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Rep. Walberg has championed additional legislation to protect the Great Lakes and promote better conservation practices. Last year, he joined with Rep. Candice Miller to introduce the Great Lakes Assurance Program Verification. Supported by the Michigan Farm Bureau, the legislation encourages states throughout the Great Lakes Basin to develop voluntary agricultural assurance programs to promote conservation and minimize agricultural pollution risks, like the harmful algal blooms on Lake Erie.

Congressman Walberg serves on the House Education and the Workforce Committee as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In addition, he serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. For more information on Walberg's work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.