Great Lakes
One of Western New York’s greatest assets is its proximity to Lake Erie. The Great Lakes are a unique national treasure with global significance, containing 20% of the world’s supply and 95% of America’s supply of surface freshwater. They are also a vital engine of economic activity – supporting 1.5 million jobs, $62 billion in wages, a $7 billion fishery, and providing clean, affordable hydroelectricity. As a member of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, protecting the health of the Great Lakes is one of Brian’s most important priorities. Brian is one of the most vocal supporters of efforts to protect and preserve the Great Lakes, including the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and other programs. Brian has also introduced H.R. 600, the Great Lakes Nutrient Removal Assistance Act, which would provide funding to update wastewater treatment plants with nutrient removal technology to keep nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, which can lead to harmful algal blooms, out of the Great Lakes.
More on Great Lakes
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) spoke on the House Floor during Great Lakes Day to demonstrate the importance of fully funding the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) and other Great Lakes programs in Congress’ proposed budget for FY2017.
Since the creation of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative in 2010, nearly $1.6 billion has been invested in projects to clean up the Great Lakes, the world’s largest freshwater system. Locally, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative supports a number of initiatives including the restoration of the Buffalo River.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) joined U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Buffalo District Commander Lt. Col. Karl Jansen to announce a $2.179 million dredging project in the Black Rock Channel.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced legislation aimed to update water infrastructure essential to protecting the Great Lakes and the communities that surround them.
“The Great Lakes are an incredible natural and economic resource for Western New York,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. “Restoring and preserving the integrity of the Great Lakes is critical to our waterfront economy and the vitality of our region.”
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26), announced approval of H.R. 5764, The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act of 2014, legislation authorizing $300 million in federal funding annually to support Great Lakes efforts for each of the next five years.
“We see a great multiplier effect with investments made in the Great Lakes,” said Higgins. “With each effort to preserve and improve the Great Lakes we produce economic and environmental benefits for generations to come.”
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26), a member of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, spoke on the House Floor to recognize Water Week, which brings clean water advocates from all over the country to Washington, D.C. to work together to develop strategies to keep our waterways healthy and ensure access to clean water for all Americans.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced the award of a $500,000 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant to the City of Buffalo to fund green infrastructure projects to improve water quality in Lake Erie. Cameron Davis, Senior Advisor to the EPA Administrator for the Great Lakes, was joined today by Congressmember Brian Higgins and Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown at the offices of the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper to announce the projects.