GREAT LAKES

Great Lakes Implementation Act of 2007 (H.R. 1350 and S. 791)

SUPPORT

The Great Lakes Collaboration Implementation Act puts into practice priority recommendations of a $20 billion Great Lakes clean-up plan released in December as part of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration, a planning process established by President Bush in 2004.

• Stop the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species by enacting a comprehensive national program.
• Prevent the Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes by authorizing the Corps of Engineers to maintain and operate the dispersal barrier on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, and prohibit the importation and sale of Asian carp.
• Restore fish and wildlife habitat by reauthorizing the Great Lakes Fish & Wildlife Restoration Act at $20 million.
• Prevent sewage contamination by reauthorizing the State Revolving Loan Fund and provide $20 billion over five years to assist communities nationally with improving their wastewater infrastructure.
• Clean up contaminated sediment under the Great Lakes Legacy Act by authorizing $150 million per year.
• Phase out mercury in products by establishing a new grant program and improving existing research programs.
• Coordinate and improve Great Lakes programs by establishing the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force and the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration process.

Great Lakes Legacy Act Re-authorization

SUPPORT

The Great Lakes Legacy Act of 2002 authorizes $270 million from fiscal year 2004 through fiscal year 2008 to help with the remediation of contaminated sediment in the 30 U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs), including specific funding designated for public outreach and research components. Priority goes to projects in which a plan is in place and ready for implementation, and/or that will use an innovative approach to cleanup. Funds provided under the Great Lakes Legacy Act mean an increase in new cleanup projects and a reduction in the amount of contaminated sediment polluting the Great Lakes, and, a significant step toward environmental restoration of the Great Lakes. The GLLA is a highly successful program. Two projects are underway, three have been completed, and seven sites have been monitored or evaluated. The program expires on September 30, 2008 and will need to be reauthorized by Congress.

The Legacy Act needs to be reauthorized with the following amendments:

• Increase authorization level to $150 million per year and re-authorize act through 2013
• Allow general use of general GLLA funds for demonstration and pilot projects.
• Allow use of GLLA funds to restore aquatic habitat at GLLA sites.
• Focus the use of GLLA funds on remedial projects.
• Allow Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs) to contribute to nonfederal share.
• Remove "maintenance of effort" requirements
• Allow disbursal of GLLA funds to nonfederal contractors
• Clarify that GLLA funding may be used at the same site and at the same time as other federal programs.
• Extend life of GLLA funds.
• Cost share for "orphan sites" should be reduced to 25 percent.
• Add public participation component to existing public information program.