While it seems like nothing good comes out of Washington these days, the recent passage of the bipartisan Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2024 is a welcome exception.

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is the most significant investment ever made to restore and protect our Great Lakes.

Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow first authored this flagship public-private program in 2010. Support for this popular initiative includes both Democrats and Republicans, House and Senate members, and stakeholders from across the region.

“The creation of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is one of the most important actions of my legislative career. Since I authored the program in 2010, it has been a proven success story,” said Senator Stabenow. “This bill will ensure the stability and future of the program as we address new emerging threats to our Great Lakes and waters.”

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has focused federal and nonfederal efforts to stop the spread of carp and other invasive species, restore coastline and habitats connecting our streams and rivers, clean up environmentally damaged Areas of Concern, and prevent future contamination.

Lake Superior is the lifeblood of the Upper Peninsula and our way of life. It seems like environmental protections often get pushed to the backburner in favor of economic concerns. While we understand that the Great Lakes are some of the United States most important resources, clean fresh water is becoming more and more precious as time goes on.

The importance of keeping water clean and free from invasive species will not only help the U.P. economy thrive, its also vital that we leave our children fresh, clean water and something to be proud of.