Bill 118 s 3738, also known as the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act of 2024, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress aimed at providing funding and support for the restoration and protection of the Great Lakes ecosystem. The bill seeks to continue and expand upon the efforts of the GLRI, which was first established in 2010 to address environmental challenges facing the Great Lakes region.
The GLRI Act of 2024 proposes to allocate $1.5 billion in funding over the next five years to various projects and initiatives focused on improving water quality, combating invasive species, restoring habitats, and promoting sustainable practices in the Great Lakes. The bill emphasizes the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies, as well as non-profit organizations and tribal governments, in order to effectively address the complex environmental issues facing the region.
In addition to funding restoration and conservation efforts, the GLRI Act of 2024 also includes provisions for monitoring and evaluating the impact of these initiatives, as well as promoting public education and outreach to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the Great Lakes. The bill highlights the economic, recreational, and cultural significance of the Great Lakes to the region, and underscores the need for continued investment in their preservation.
Overall, the GLRI Act of 2024 represents a bipartisan effort to support the ongoing conservation and restoration of the Great Lakes ecosystem, recognizing the critical role that these bodies of water play in the environmental and economic well-being of the region.