U.S. Reps. Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI) introduced the Great Lakes Assurance Program Verification Act on Tuesday at an event in Monroe, Michigan.
The bill would offer federal funding to Great Lakes states that implement a voluntary assurance program to help farms and other agricultural producers implement conservation efforts.
“Today, Rep. Walberg and I introduced the Great Lakes Assurance Program Verification Act, legislation that helps Great Lakes states establish voluntary programs that aid farmers in adopting better conservation practices, like the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assistance Program (MAEAP),” Miller said. “Michigan farmers have voluntarily taken the lead in conservation efforts, reducing soil erosion and nutrient runoff. With the help of MAEAP, their efforts have helped reduce algae blooms in the Great Lakes, like the one we saw last year on Lake Erie that forced officials in Toledo to cut off the drinking-water supply to nearby communities. Expanding this program to all of the Great Lakes states will further protect our lakes and all of those who rely on them.”
Under the legislation, states would be able to apply for grants within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Participating producers would also enjoy the benefit of priority status on federally funded cost-share applications for conservation projects.
“I’m proud to work with Representative Miller to encourage neighboring states to follow the example of Michigan farmers and adopt better conservation practices,” Walberg said. “Responsible stewardship of our land and Great Lakes will help ensure the health of our economy and environment today and for generations to come.”
Miller has represented Michigan’s 10th District in the House since 2003. Born in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan, in 1954, Miller previously served as the 40th Michigan secretary of state from 1995 to 2003. Miller was educated at Macomb Community College & Northwood Institute. Miller serves on the following committees: Homeland Security, Transportation and Infrastructure, and House Administration.