Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

U.S. House Approves Extension Of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

Congress has approved legislation to continue the fight against toxic algae and other problems in the Great Lakes.  Brian Bull of member station WCPN in Cleveland reports.

The House of Representatives has just approved extending the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.  The legislation would continue the program for five more years, with an annual budget of 300 million dollars.  
 
Ohio Democrat Marcy Kaptur is among the bipartisan coalition of lawmakers backing the bill.  She says it helps combat runoff that causes toxic algae blooms…like the ones that hit Toledo earlier this year.  
 
MKaptur01: “I’ll tell you, to live in a region where over a half million people and businesses had the water shut off for three days, almost seemed like a surreal experience, but it happened.  And we have to pay attention.” (:10)  
 
Roughly 1-point-6 billion dollars have already been spent on the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative since 2010.  Among those cheering for its extension is Marc Gaden, with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.  He says past money has helped the Army Corps of Engineers control lamprey….hose-like creatures that suck the blood of other fish in the Great Lakes.  
 
MGaden01:  “They latch onto fish with a suction cup mouth, razor sharp teeth.  They drill a hole through the scales and skin and feed on the fish’s blood.  They’re vampires, and have caused indescribable destruction on the Great Lakes fisheries since they came in.” (:14)  
 
The bill now goes to the Senate.

Jim has been with WCBE since 1996. Before that he worked as a reporter at another Columbus radio station, and for three newspapers in Southwest Florida.
Related Content