CLEVELAND (AP) — The head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced a $2 million grant program to clean up the shorelines and waters of the Great Lakes.
EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler during an appearance Friday in Cleveland says the grants will be available to state and local governments, nonprofit groups and universities for cleanup programs.
Wheeler says removing trash from U.S. waterways is an EPA priority.
The program is part of the EPA's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. It will fund up to a dozen projects, with the largest amount set at $500,000.
“Removing trash, litter and garbage – including plastics – from marine and freshwater environments is one of EPA’s highest priorities,” Wheeler said. “The Trash-Free Great Lakes Grant Program is intended to fund efforts by communities and other applicants to clean up beaches and waterways so that the Great Lakes watershed will continue to provide habitat for wildlife and drinking water and recreation for tens of millions of people.”
The EPA is seeking projects that will address trash on beaches, shorelines, harbors and rivers. It will also fund litter prevention and education programs.
Grant applications will be accepted starting in October, with awards announced in February.
While in Cleveland, Wheeler also toured the Lake Guardian, the largest research vessel in the EPA's fleet and the largest research vessel currently operating on the Great Lakes. He was accopanied by Congressman Dave Joyce.
