A Big Week for the Great Lakes: Water Infrastructure and Equity Report Released, Great Lakes Day

U.S. Water Alliance to Release Report: Great Lakes Infrastructure, Equity and Water AffordabilityOn Tuesday, March 6, the U.S. Water Alliance is releasing a new report that examines inequity issues around the infrastructure needs in the Great Lakes region. The region faces a staggering $179 billion need to fix, repair and modernize the drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. The new report focuses on the deteriorating state of infrastructure in Great Lakes communities, the increasing lack of affordability of water rates for low-income communities, and opportunities to make water access and service more equitable for all Great Lakes residents.The U.S. Water Alliance will host a briefing on Tuesday, March 6, 11 a.m. Eastern1-888-392-4560, participant code 9902003RSVP or questions: agardner@thevalueofwater.orgRead more about the Healing Our Waters - Great Lakes Coalition's Water Infrastructure concerns and priorities ahead of today's briefing here.Great Lakes Advocates to Visit D.C. to Urge Congress to Keep Restoration Efforts on TrackOn Wednesday, March 7-8, more than 100 Great Lakes advocates will be in Washington, D.C., as part of Great Lakes Days, the annual event hosted by the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition and the Great Lakes Commission. In light of recent proposed budget cuts by the Trump Administration, advocates will be asking federal public officials to support a robust federal agenda, including:

1. Supporting $300 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
2. Defending core capacity and funding at federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency
3. Doubling current funding for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure
4. Supporting Farm Bill conservation programs
5. Supporting policies that protect the Great Lakes from invasive species

Read more about our policy priorities here.