News Releases from Region 05

EPA awards $220,000 to City of Duluth to protect coastal wetland habitat

CHICAGO (October 13, 2017) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $220,000 to the City of Duluth to protect coastal wetland habitat along the shoreline of Lake Superior.

“Fisheries and recreational activities are important to the economy around Lake Superior,” said EPA Administrator Pruitt. “We are working closely with state and local partners to advance our shared environmental goals.”

“Grants like this one demonstrate why full funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is so important. We need to keep restoring our wetlands, shorelines, tributaries and wildlife habitats to preserve and protect these precious natural resources for generations to come,” U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan said.

“Duluth is a community with deep historical connections to Lake Superior and the St. Louis River estuary. We embrace our status as a thriving waterfront community and the responsibility that comes with living next to the world’s largest fresh water source,” said Duluth Mayor Emily Larson. “We are proud and excited to accept this Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant from the EPA and to work with our community partners to maintain the health and future sustainability of our water ways while advancing our stewardship goals.”

Duluth will use EPA funding to protect important coastal wetland habitats identified by the Lake Superior Action and Management Plan. Funding will support a multi-dimensional analysis that will be used to develop ecological restoration and conservation management plans. Additionally, up to 1,300 acres of coastal wetlands and shoreline along nearly 10 miles of the St. Louis River Estuary will be permanently protected.

For more information on the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, visit: http://glri.us.

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