House Passes (Bipartisan) Duffy Great Lakes Fishery Amendment
Press Release
U.S. Representative Sean Duffy's Amendment to the Energy and Water Appropriations bill passed with strong bipartisan support on Thursday. The Amendment specified $10 million in funding in the Army Corps Construction Account to be spent in support of the Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration Program (GLFER).
During debate on the Amendment, Rep. Duffy offered, "Despite broad bipartisan support from environmental, industry, recreational groups and Members on both sides of the aisle, the Corps has chosen not to include funding for the program in their budget request."
"This program should not have to rely on funding from other Great Lakes programs or wait for leftover Corps funding to complete these essential, authorized projects."
The program requires a 35% cost share from a local sponsor -- ensuring buy in from local community organizations, many of which were quick to offer their support for the program: "The Great Lakes Fishery Commission and its state and tribal partners strongly support the GLFER program and Mr. Duffy's amendment to provide funds for this important restoration initiative," said David Ullrich, vice-chair of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. "This program, which is fully authorized in the Water Resources Development Act, allows the Army Corps to work with local entities to improve fish passage, restore wetlands, address invasive species, construct fish habitat, and undertake myriad other actions to rehabilitate the Great Lakes fishery and ecosystem. We are pleased Mr. Duffy is taking the initiative to ensure our Great Lakes are protected and restored."
Al House, who sits on the board of the Apostle Islands Sport Fishermen's Foundation, echoed that support: "Sport fishermen are in unanimous agreement that the GLFER program offers invaluable support to Fishery Habitat and Ecosystem Restoration projects that maintain and restore the health of our Great Lakes. We ask that Congress restore this important funding for the health of the Great Lakes System."
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