Dems introduce bill to launch Great Lakes Authority

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A congresswoman from Ohio has introduced legislation to establish and fund the Great Lakes Authority, a new federal entity to protect and promote economic activities on the Great Lakes.

Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo, serves a district that spans portions of five counties on Ohio’s northern coast, stretching from Toledo to the western border of Cleveland. She is the chair of the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee and a co-chair of the Bipartisan House Great Lakes Task Force. She introduced the Great Lakes Authority Act with support from lawmakers from four other states, including Democratic Reps. Dan Kildee of Flint, Debbie Dingell of Dearborn and Haley Stevens of Rochester Hills.

If passed, the Great Lakes Authority Act would provide $30 million in funding starting in the 2023 fiscal year and $50 million annually in the years to come. The Great Lakes Authority would promote economic development and job creation along the lakes and lead projects to protect and restore habitats throughout the region.