Reauthorizing Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

U.S. Representatives Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Dave Joyce (R-OH), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) and members of the bipartisan Great Lakes Task Force introduced the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act of 2025 last week.

The bipartisan bill will reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which is set to expire at the end of FY 2026, for another five years through FY 2031. Also, the bill increases the current authorization level from $475 million to $500 million in FY 2026.

“The Great Lakes are not only an important natural resource but a critical economic driver that supports communities, jobs, commerce, agriculture, transportation, and tourism for millions of people across the country. Since it was established, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has been an environmental and economic success, and is fundamental to protecting, restoring, and maintaining the Great Lakes ecosystem and economy,” said Congresswoman Dingell, Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force.

“The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative supports efforts that confront direct threats facing the lakes like harmful algal blooms, water pollution, invasive species, and coastal erosion,” added Congressman Joyce, Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force. “I am proud to not only introduce this bill as my first piece of legislation this Congress, but also relaunch the bipartisan Great Lakes Task Force in the House of Representatives.”

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is critical in cleaning up the Great Lakes and waterways, and addressing problems that directly impact public health and safety.

Since 2010, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has provided more than $4.1 billion to fund 8,000 projects throughout the Great Lakes region.