The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative of 2009 that included $475 Million to the Great Lakes and almost a billion for sewer infrastructure modernization appears to be the high water mark for Great Lakes awareness and action. But, as stunning an accomplishment as it was, I am not sure that statement is a positive one.
Since the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is such a momentous undertaking, we should expect, or even demand, momentous results. However, in the two years since its launch, there seems to be little to show. Even with some successful and needed projects, the EPA process of spending the funds has been wrought with delays, set backs, and disagreements. While a consensus cannot be expected with such contentious politics and such a large amount of money, the Great Lakes cannot afford to be lost in the shuffle.
To make matters worse, the horizon grows bleaker with each passing day. The “Super Committee,” certainly a misnomer, set to address the budgetary concerns that dominated Washington this summer continue to illustrate the growing gap in Congress. Despite Congressional delegates who care about the Great Lakes, it is easy to see a scenario in which the restoration of the lakes is compromised in hopes of getting a deal done. The large amounts of money that have been given in the past could vanish, taking the health of the Great Lakes with it.
In 2011 alone, the GLRI budget was reduced 35%. Coupled with the massive algae blooms in Lake Erie and crashing fish populations in Lake Huron, the Great Lakes are actually in need of significantly more funding. With the 2012 election approaching quickly and public outrage regarding the deficit, I fear that the GLRI budget will decrease when the lakes are only growing increasingly vulnerable.
Still, there remain ardent and vocal advocates for the lakes in Congress and in the public. It is now up to them, and us, to ensure that the GLRI is not forgotten. There is a reason why Congress felt it necessary to bestow the funding in 2009. While good faith efforts to spend those funds have been made, the fact of the matter is that new problems have emerged. Let’s not let these facts become lost on Congress. Long past the election, the Great Lakes will still have problems. Our representatives cannot forget that. Let’s help them remember.
Kevin B works for the National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lake’s Office.
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