Success! We’re excited to share that the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2024 was just introduced in both the House and Senate with broad bipartisan support!

If approved, this new federal legislation would reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), allowing the federal government to continue to accelerate its investment to restore and protect the Great Lakes – the source of drinking water for more that 42 million people – and to tackle serious threats including toxic pollution, runoff, habitat loss, and invasive species.

GLRI is a critical funding source for the Indiana Dunes National Park to treat invasive species and restore wetlands within the National Park boundaries. GLRI also supports other regional organizations, including Save the Dunes! We currently have a GLRI project that promotes pollinator habitat improvements across our region. That project is set to expire this June, 2024. Without the reauthorization of GLRI, important projects like ours and so many more will no longer be possible.

The GLRI Act of 2024 would provide a critical increase in investment up to $500 million annually. In comparison, Congress has invested $368 million in the 2024 fiscal year budget for restoration actions. The bill was introduced on February 6, 2024 in the Senate by Great Lakes Taskforce co-chairs, including our very own Indiana Senator Todd Young, who signed on as a cosponsor! Thank you Senator Young! We are heartened to see such broad bipartisan support from the delegation on this important act.