Assessing the Investment: The Economic Impact of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

This report summarizes findings from a study that quantified the economic impact of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) using an integrated approach that includes both quantitative modeling and analysis to determine the GLRI’s region-wide impact and detailed case studies that illustrate the impacts from the perspective of specific Great Lakes communities. Researchers used rigorous economic analysis to produce a comprehensive, evidence-based estimate of the economic benefits generated by GLRI spending between 2010 and 2016 and the additional economic activity that will result through 2036. The case studies are based on interviews of local leaders and extensive research and data collection in eight Great Lakes communities that benefited from significant GLRI spending.