New Spending Bill Includes Funding For Lake Erie Projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House Committee on Appropriations released its fiscal year 2020 spending agreement this week, which includes funds for agencies working to protect the Great Lakes. Specific provisions in the legislation will fund programs combating algae blooms and the invasion of Asian carp.

The spending agreement includes $48.3 billion to spur energy innovation and improve water infrastructure in Ohio, on the Great Lakes and across the nation. That's up 8 percent versus 2019's spending bill, an increase of $3.7 billion.

Funding for Army Corps of Engineers investigations is up to $151 million, which frees up money for the Brandon Road lock project, which prevents Asian Carp from entering the Great Lakes.

“This agreement takes concrete steps to fund environmental projects in the Great Lakes region, including reigning in the spread of deadly algal blooms in Lake Erie and preventing Asian carp from taking hold in the Great Lakes," said Rep. Marcy Kaptur, who represents a long stretch of the Lake Erie coast in Northeast Ohio. "The negative economic and environmental impact these species have on Lake Erie and its coastal communities cannot be overstated, and this legislation will help protect our $7 billion fishing industry and equally important tourism industry."

The funding agreement also provides $305 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps low-income households weatherize their homes, reduce energy costs and keep their property safe.

The bill also restricts the Army Corps of Engineers from dumping sediment collected from Toledo and Cleveland harbors into Lake Erie.