US EPA releases 5-year plan to improve Great Lakes
Published 8:33 am Wednesday, September 24, 2014
CHICAGO — The Obama administration announced a new 5-year plan for the Great Lakes on Wednesday that will accelerate efforts to address toxic pollution, invasive species and farm runoff and restore plant and wildlife habitat.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy released the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative’s action plan at a meeting of Great Lakes mayors in Chicago, saying it is a roadmap for federal agencies to target the “biggest threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem.” Congress has appropriated $1.6 billion since 2009 for the restoration effort.
The updated plan continues work in core areas while addressing concerns about how well the program is meeting its objectives. The EPA coordinates the program with support from 10 other federal departments.