WASHINGTON  - Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced fifteen Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grants totaling $9,056,711 to fund projects addressing excess nutrient runoff from nonpoint sources, including stormwater and agriculture, to the Great Lakes.

"The key to restoring the health of the Great Lakes in the coming years is to lower the amount of fertilizer and stormwater runoff entering the region's waterways," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "These grants will help more farmers make the shift toward more no-till agricultural methods that, when properly practiced, result in less top-soil erosion and better water quality."

"Today's grants will help us combat excess nutrients and improve water quality in the Great Lakes basin," said Region 5 Administrator and Great Lakes National Program Manager Kurt Thiede. "GLRI is funding projects that will reduce excess nutrient runoff using a variety of approaches, including stream restoration, green infrastructure design, managing manure application and engagement with farmers."

"These grants will help reduce nutrient runoff and prevent harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes," said Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14), Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force. "I applaud EPA for partnering with farmers to address nutrient runoff and look forward to seeing the success these efforts will have on improving the water quality of the Great Lakes and preserving the bottom line for our agricultural communities."

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