Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Dave Joyce (R-OH), and Paul Tonko (D-NY) introduced bipartisan legislation this week to support fish and wildlife in the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Reauthorization Act of 2021 would reauthorize the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to work with states and other agencies to develop and execute proposals to conserve, restore and manage fish and wildlife populations and their habitats.
Since 1998, the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act has provided federal funding to encourage cooperative conservation, restoration, and management of the fish and wildlife resources and their habitats. This legislation would reauthorize $6 million annually through FY 2027 to implement restoration projects and USFWS activities of regional importance to the Great Lakes. It would serve an important role in implementing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) and renew continued cooperative efforts to address impacts associated with invasive species throughout the Great Lakes Basin.
“The Great Lakes are a unique resource for Illinois residents who enjoy the outdoors, providing recreation and freshwater, and supporting our economy,” said LaHood. “As a Dad who regularly enjoys the outdoors with my three sons, I am pleased to join this bipartisan bill to support fish and wildlife restoration in the Great Lakes, expand economic opportunities in Illinois, and improve conservation efforts.”
“As someone who grew up on the St. Clair River, protecting the Great Lakes and its diverse species is personal to me and to so many who call Michigan home,” said Dingell. “The Great Lakes are a way of life – providing fresh water, fish and wildlife habitat, and countless opportunities for recreation while supporting our state’s economy and hundreds of thousands of jobs. We’ve seen what happens when we all work together to protect our Great Lakes, and I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to conserve fish and wildlife, combat the threat of invasive species, and protect the Great Lakes for generations to come.”
“The Great Lakes are critical resources to our New York communities and countless others, providing clean drinking water to 35 million Americans, serving as cherished recreational sites and bringing strong economic and environmental benefits to our region. We cannot afford to let these essential resources go unprotected,” said Tonko. “I’m proud to support the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Reauthorization Act and will continue pushing alongside my colleagues to strengthen our waterways and ensure they can be enjoyed for years to come.”
“The Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act is a premier conservation program in the Great Lakes region,” said Robert Lambe, Executive Secretary of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. “The program has a long track record of restoring and sustaining valuable species, protecting critical habitat, and addressing illegal activities that harm our natural resources. The Commission strongly supports the reauthorization of this effective, proven legislation."
“Ducks Unlimited appreciates Congresswoman Dingell’s leadership and support to reauthorize the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act,” said Jason Hill, Director of Conservation Programs for Ducks Unlimited’s Great Lakes/Atlantic Region. “This act will provide critical funding and leverage important partnership-based fish and wildlife habitat restoration efforts for the benefit of all residents and outdoor enthusiasts across the Great Lakes.”
To see the full bill text, please click here.
