Second Major Funding Package Clears U.S. House, Includes Great Lakes, Clean Water Priorities
ANN ARBOR, MICH. (July 31, 2020) — The Healing Our Waters–Great Lakes Coalition applauds the passage of the U.S. House spending package (H.R. 7617) this afternoon, the second package key to funding Great Lakes programs across the region in fiscal year 2021, which begins Oct. 1. The two packages (the first of which cleared the House last week) include modest year-over-year increases that are bolstered substantially by more than $11 billion in emergency supplemental funding for clean water programs.“The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition supports the House funding package that was passed today,” said Chad Lord, policy director for the Healing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition. “The two packages together substantially boost federal investments in clean water priorities that will accelerate progress in restoring the Great Lakes, protecting our drinking water, improving access to affordable water, safeguarding public health, and bolstering the economy.”“The priorities in this bill are long-standing Coalition priorities, and we look forward to working with bipartisan members in the Senate to pass this legislation to better our environment, economy, and to protect our public health.”Regular Appropriations:
- Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Up to $335 million — $15 million increase from Fiscal Year 2020 enacted (FY2020).
- Clean Water State Revolving Fund: $1,638,826,000 — no increase from FY2020.
- Drinking Water State Revolving Fund: $1,126,088,000 — no increase from FY2020.
- Small and Disadvantaged Communities program: $26,000,000 — $592,000 increase from FY2020.
- Lead testing in Schools program: $26,000,000 — no increase from FY2020.
- Reducing Lead in Drinking Water program: $20,000,000 — $489,000 increase from FY2020.
- 221 Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants: $56,700,000 — $28.7 million increase.
- NOAA Harmful Algal Blooms: $22,000,000 — $3 million increase.
- NOAA Sea Grant: $71,000,000 — $4 million increase.
- Chicago Sanitary Ship Canal Barrier - $14,300,000 — $360,000 increase.
Additional Emergency Supplemental Funding:
- Clean Water State Revolving Fund: $6,355,000,000
- Drinking Water State Revolving Fund: $3,855,000,000
- Lead Testing in Schools program: $50,000,000
- Reducing Lead in Drinking Water program: $1,000,000,000
- 221 Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants: $400,000,000