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Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has positive economic impact, report finds

NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
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https://flic.kr/p/ejoEpD

A report looking at the economic impact the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative found the program will have an overwhelmingly positive impact on the Great Lakes region.

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is a federal program designed to support environmental projects around the region.

The research was conducted by the University of Michigan and found that every federal dollar spent between 2010 and 2016 would result in over three dollars in economic activity through 2036.

Kathryn Buckner is with the Council of Great Lakes Industries, which managed the report. She said researchers looked at both the region and community level to see impacts.

“What we found from those case studies, sort of at a high level, is that in each of those communities there were significant new real estate and commercial developments that have popped up since the GLRI came to town, particularly in those coastal areas.”

Buckner said the report also found an increase in tourism and retention of young people.

“These coastal communities now offer more for young people who like to enjoy walking to restaurants or enjoying the waterfront.”

Buckner said the findings show that economic and environmental improvements can go hand in hand.