DEP Invites Public To Erie July 28 Meeting On Great Lakes Restoration Plan

In response to the proposed investment of $475 million for Great Lakes restoration projects in the 2010 federal budget, the Department of Environmental Protection is encouraging local residents to attend a public meeting to learn about the restoration plan and offer comments.

The meeting will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 28, at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, Room 112, 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie. The meeting will be hosted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on behalf of the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force.

“Lake Erie defines the identity and character of the Erie area, as well as being a major contributor to its economic vitality,” said DEP Chief of the Office of the Great Lakes Lori Boughton. “The financial commitment proposed in the 2010 federal budget will help communities solve the many environmental challenges that exist throughout the Great Lakes.”

The $475 million Great Lakes Restoration Initiative proposed by President Obama puts EPA in charge of leading the effort which will target the most significant environmental problems in the Great Lakes basin.

EPA is holding meetings in states within the Great Lakes basin to share with the public current plans for implementing the initiative, to collect ideas and feedback on how to make the restoration effective in addressing the problems, and to learn about restoration plans and activities that are already under way.

EPA also is interested in gathering ideas to set priorities for 2011 and beyond as part of a multi-year Great Lakes action plan.

Questions regarding the July 28 meeting or Great Lakes issues should be addressed to Lori Boughton at 814-217-9635 or send email to:lboughton@state.pa.us.

For more information, visit the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative webpage.