“In a Trump administration that some say has been bleak for the environment, there is good news for the Great Lakes.

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative was included in the 2020 federal budget, and for the first time, its funding level has increased to $320 million from $300 million. The budget was passed by the House Dec. 17, and the Senate Dec. 19. President Trump signed the appropriation bills Dec. 20.

“Thanks to all of your support, we were able to successfully increase Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding to $320 million for next year,” said Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow in a pre-Christmas greeting. ‘As you may recall, President Trump gutted funding for this program for the past three years in his annual budget. With your help and support, Congress has restored these funds each year. Now for the first time in nine years, we passed a federal budget that increased funding for this program — a 7% increase — so that we can address new and emerging threats to our Great Lakes and waterways.'”

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