Funding Asks for Final Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations Package
The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition joined 67 of our member organizations writing to urge Congress quickly come to an agreement on a final fiscal year 2023 appropriations package that enhances the federal government’s support for Great Lakes restoration and clean water priorities.
First, we asked Congress support the House proposal of $368 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), though we encourage Congress continue to explore opportunities to fully fund the program at $400 million as called for in the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2019.
Second, we urged any FY2023 appropriations package fully fund these key agencies and fund key Great Lakes programs at no less than:
✓ Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration (GLFWRA): $8 million
✓ USGS Great Lakes Science Center: $15 million
✓ Army Corps Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration (GLFER): $15 million
✓ Army Corps Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study: $3 million
✓ Defense against invasive carp through the U.S. FWS and USGS Invasive Carp programs, and funding phase 1 construction of the Brandon Road Lock & Dam: $27 million, $11 million, and $47.9 million, respectively.
Third, we advocated for water infrastructure funds for the region, and appropriating critical water infrastructure funds, including no less than:
✓ Clean Water State Revolving Fund: $4.38 billion
✓ Drinking Water State Revolving Fund: $3.87 billion
✓ Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants: $280 million
✓ EPA lead programs including Reducing Lead in Drinking Water and Lead Mapping Pilot programs at $182 million and $10 million respectively.
✓ Small and Disadvantaged Communities Grants: $80 million
✓ Individual Household Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System Grants: $50 million
