LaHood, Joyce propose bill to continue Great Lakes fish, wildlife restoration efforts

U.S. Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Dave Joyce (R-OH) on Nov. 15 introduced the bipartisan Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Reauthorization Act of 2021, which would reauthorize $6 million annually through fiscal year 2027 to implement restoration projects and federal activities of regional importance to the Great Lakes.

“The Great Lakes are a unique resource for Illinois residents who enjoy the outdoors, providing recreation and freshwater, and supporting our economy,” Rep. LaHood said. “I am pleased to join this bipartisan bill to support fish and wildlife restoration in the Great Lakes, expand economic opportunities in Illinois, and improve conservation efforts.”

If enacted, H.R. 5973, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), would reauthorize the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to work with states and other agencies to develop and execute proposals to conserve, restore and manage fish and wildlife populations and their habitats, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.

“The bipartisan legislation we are introducing will make the investments necessary to treat the Great Lakes like the invaluable natural resource and economic powerhouse they are,” Rep. Joyce said. “I remain committed to working across the aisle to protect the fish and wildlife of the Great Lakes so that both current and future generations have the chance to make memories of their own.”

H.R. 5973 also would serve an important role in implementing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) and renew continued cooperative efforts to address impacts associated with invasive species throughout the Great Lakes Basin, the bill summary says.

U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH), Todd Young (R-IN), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) on Oct. 26 introduced the companion bill, S. 3069, in their chamber.

The Great Lakes Fishery Commission and Ducks Unlimited’s Great Lakes/Atlantic Region support the bill.