Board backs Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding despite concerns about scope and oversight

The board considered a resolution urging continued federal funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), a multiyear program that supporters say addresses invasive species, shoreline restoration and harmful-algae-bloom mitigation.

Commissioner Moss raised concerns about program size, spending priorities and examples of past grant recipients, saying some grant language referenced diversity, equity and inclusion and pay levels he found objectionable. "If this is the type of work that GLRI is supporting, I don't support it," he said, criticizing specific nonprofit grant examples he had reviewed.

Parks and environmental advocates on the board countered with local examples of GLRI-funded work: shoreline restoration, hemlock-woolly-adelgid mitigation, trout habitat projects and investments in Ottawa County public lands. A parks representative said GLRI historically returns economic and ecological value, noting local projects that received grants and the initiative's bipartisan sponsorship in Congress.

After a broad discussion about federal oversight, program scrutiny and local benefits, the board approved the resolution supporting GLRI funding; the roll-call showed mixed yes and no votes but the motion passed.