Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative announces 2022 priorities

The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative has released what it deems as this year’s key priorities for the U.S. and Canadian federal governments to sustain economic recovery and catalyze the long-term revitalization of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence cities.

All the priorities were identified by a coalition of mayors and local representatives from more than 70 municipalities working to protect, restore and promote the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence River basin. They call for continued investment in waterfront restoration/revitalization along with water infrastructure modernization and coastal resilience to help shoreline communities to safeguard drinking water, respond to climate change impacts, and accelerate economic growth.

The U.S. identified priorities in environmentally-related areas include a call to pass the Build Back Better Act with $550 billion to address climate change and other priorities; and, to protect the Great Lakes from Asian carp and other destructive invasive species.

Environmentally related priorities identified for the Canadian government include engaging municipalities in the development of climate change adaptation tools; addressing nuisances and pollutants affecting freshwater quality/availability; and, supporting the further development of a blue economy.

Click here to read the full list of priorities.