Kaptur Welcomes GLRI $12 Million Award To Attack Harmful Algal Blooms in Western Basin
September 3, 2014
TOLEDO (September 3, 2014) – Congresswoman Kaptur this afternoon applauded the announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) that it will commit almost $12 million to combat harmful algal blooms in the western basin of Lake Erie.
USEPA Administrator Gina McCarthy made the announcement this afternoon at a Great Lakes conference in Washington, D.C.
The $12 million will be used to expand monitoring and forecasting, increase incentives for farmers to reduce phosphorus runoff, and improve measurement of phosphorus in the tributaries of Lake Erie.
"Every little bit helps," said Congresswoman Kaptur. "No question, we need a robust response from local, state and federal government to get a handle on this issue and I commend the USEPA for this commitment."
Administrator McCarthy said the funding package "will address the immediate need for state and federal agencies to protect public health and build upon ongoing efforts to reduce harmful algal blooms."
Funds will be made available to state agencies in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Funding will be provided under the rubric of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a federal response to the environmental challenge facing the Great Lakes.
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USEPA Administrator Gina McCarthy made the announcement this afternoon at a Great Lakes conference in Washington, D.C.
The $12 million will be used to expand monitoring and forecasting, increase incentives for farmers to reduce phosphorus runoff, and improve measurement of phosphorus in the tributaries of Lake Erie.
"Every little bit helps," said Congresswoman Kaptur. "No question, we need a robust response from local, state and federal government to get a handle on this issue and I commend the USEPA for this commitment."
Administrator McCarthy said the funding package "will address the immediate need for state and federal agencies to protect public health and build upon ongoing efforts to reduce harmful algal blooms."
Funds will be made available to state agencies in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Funding will be provided under the rubric of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a federal response to the environmental challenge facing the Great Lakes.
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