Great Lakes Commission Legislative Priorities for 2013

Presented to the 113th Congress:
March 2013

Great Lakes Commission Legislative Priorities for 2013

Sustaining Environmental Restoration and Economic Revitalization in the Great Lakes Region
The Great Lakes are an invaluable environmental and economic resource for the eight-state Great Lakes region. They provide vital benefits for the 36 million Americans and Canadians who live in the region, including unparalleled recreational opportunities for local residents and visiting tourists; abundant fresh water for communities and industries; an environmentally efficient transportation system for raw materials and finished goods; and unique and extensive habitats for valuable fish and wildlife resources.

The Great Lakes states are partnering closely with the federal government to restore the Great Lakes and leverage them as an asset to build a more prosperous future for our region. The Great Lakes Commission urges Congress and the Administration to support the following priorities to strengthen this partnership, sustain our restoration efforts, and address specific challenges to the long-term environmental and economic health of the Great Lakes.

Strengthening the Great Lakes as an Environmental and Economic Asset: Regional Priorities for Restoration and Protection Near-term priorities have been identified by an alliance that includes the Great Lakes Commission, the mayors of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, the Healing Our Waters® - Great Lakes Coalition, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, the Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority, the Council of Great Lakes Industries and the Great Lakes Metro Chambers Coalition.

Great Lakes Restoration At Work

Great Lakes Restoration at Work: Interactive Map

Great Lakes Restoration At Work: State Fact Sheets

• Illinois: Great Lakes Restoration at Work
• Indiana: Great Lakes Restoration at Work
• Michigan: Great Lakes Restoration at Work
• Minnesota: Great Lakes Restoration at Work
• New York: Great Lakes Restoration at Work
• Ohio: Great Lakes Restoration at Work
• Pennsylvania: Great Lakes Restoration at Work
• Wisconsin: Great Lakes Restoration at Work

• Preventing the Importation of Injurious Non-native Wildlife
• Improving Ports and Harbors in the Great Lakes