Joyce, Kaptur Introduce Legislation to Increase Access to the Great Lakes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) introduced the Great Lakes Gateways Network Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide matching grants to state and local governments, non-profits, and the private sector to develop and conserve important resources within the Great Lakes gateway system, improving access to the region and enhancing public education regarding its unique heritage and resources.

“The Great Lakes are a crucial part of the economies and communities that surround them. Ohio’s Fourteenth District is inextricably linked to Lake Erie, so it is imperative that we pass on our stewardship of the lake to the next generation,” said Congressman Joyce. “This bill will increase public education and access to the Great Lakes, incentivizing future generations to continue caring for them. Thank you to Representative Kaptur for her hard work on this legislation and continued partnership in protecting and preserving the Great Lakes.”

“The Great Lakes are not just bodies of water; they are the lifeblood of our communities, shaping our history, economy, and way of life,” said Congresswoman Kaptur. “For generations, these waters have provided sustenance, industry, and inspiration, binding together diverse communities across our Great Lakes region. Yet, they have also endured great and continuing challenges — from industrial pollution to climate change — that threaten their vitality. This bill is about investing in our future — ensuring that these treasured waters remain accessible and protected for generations to come.”

Background:

Declared a “national treasure” by Executive Order in 2004, the Great Lakes and their watershed are rich in unique natural, recreational, historical, and cultural resources. With 94,600 square miles of surface water, 10,000 miles of shoreline, 35,000 islands, 532,938 acres of coastal wetlands, and 27.8 million hectares of forest, the Great Lakes support a variety of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife and two globally important migratory bird flyways.

Home to twenty national wildlife refuges, 7 national parks, lakeshores, monuments, and memorials, 6 national forests, and many state parks, wildlife management areas, and trail systems, the watershed’s assets afford numerous recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, hiking, beach use, and birding, that generate more than $52 billion annually for the region. It is a region rich in history and cultural heritage, central to the stories of Native Americans, the westward expansion of the United States, and the industrial revolution.

Modeled on the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998, the Great Lakes Gateways Network Act of 2025 will help conserve, restore, and interpret the precious historical, cultural, recreational, and natural resources in the Great Lakes watershed by catalyzing public and private investment in a linked network of gateway sites and water trails.

Read the full text of the bill here. 

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