Senators Peters, Stabenow Applaud Investment to Combat Invasive Species in West Michigan, Lake Michigan Basin

West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission Project Among Five in Michigan Receiving a Total of More than $2.5 Million to Combat Invasive Species, Protect Great Lakes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow, Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force, and Gary Peters, member of the Great Lakes Task Force, today applauded the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative announcement to allocate $153,314 to help the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission control and combat invasive species that could harm the Lake Michigan basin. This funding comes through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

“Fighting invasive species is an important part of the effort to keep Muskegon Lake and Bear Lake healthy and to protect wildlife habitats in the area,” said Stabenow. “Today’s announcement further underscores the importance of partnerships like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which invests in the health of our Great Lakes and waterways.”

“Controlling invasive plant species near Muskegon Lake and Bear Lake is critically important for West Michigan's environment and economy,” said Senator Peters. “I am glad the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is making these targeted investments and working with local organizations and community members to combat these infestations that threaten this vital resource.”

West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission project – one of five groups chosen in Michigan to receive a total of more than $2.5 million in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative awards to combat invasive species – will control invasive plant species along approximately 50 acres of shoreline wetlands near Muskegon Lake and Bear Lake in the Lake Michigan basin.

Sens. Stabenow and Peters have been strong advocates for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which is a multi-year plan to restore and preserve the Great Lakes by eliminating toxins, combating invasive species, restoring habitats, and promoting the general health of the Lakes. Just last week, Sen. Stabenow introduced and Sen. Peters co-sponsored the Defending Our Great Lakes Act, which would give federal agencies broad authority to take immediate actions to stop the spread of Asian carp and other invasive species.

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