OHIO – Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) announced $216,000 in funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct water quality monitoring and develop identification and public notification programs to detect bacteria and contamination levels in recreational waters. This funding came from the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, the nation’s key program for monitoring U.S. coastal recreational waters and communicating to the public when it is safe to swim, surf, and fish. Earlier this year, Congressman Joyce introduced legislation to reauthorize the BEACH Act program for the next five years. 

“The beaches along Lake Erie are a treasure visited by families and tourists from across the country,” said Congressman Joyce. “I am grateful for this critical funding that ensures these beaches, and the surrounding waters remain clean and safe for generations to come.” 

BACKGROUND: 

Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, the EPA awards grants to eligible state, Tribal, and territorial applicants to help them and their local government partners monitor water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches. When bacteria levels are too high for safe swimming, these agencies notify the public by posting beach advisories or closings. 

Since 2001, the EPA has awarded nearly $230 million in BEACH Act grants to test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria, identify the sources of pollution problems, and help notify the public. Three factors influenced the EPA’s allocations for the 2024 grant amounts: (1) the length of the beach season, (2) the number of miles of shoreline, and (3) the populations of coastal counties.

Congressman Joyce serves as Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force.