U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur introduced legislation that would establish a new federal entity called the “Great Lakes Authority” that would promote regional development in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
A view of Cleveland's Lake Erie shoreline from Voinovich Park on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014. ORG XMIT: CLE1409191008112345 ORG XMIT: CLE1409200324234308 The Plain DealerWASHINGTON, D. C. -- U.S. Rep.
“By investing in workforce development, innovative energy technologies and manufacturing processes, and responsible stewardship of our precious Great Lakes ecosystem – the Great Lakes Authority will unleash the Heartland’s full potential for this 21st century,” said a statement from Kaptur, whose bill would give the new entity $30 million in funding beginning in fiscal year 2023, and $50 million each fiscal year thereafter.
A statement from Greater Cleveland Partnership President and CEO Baiju R. Shah praised the legislation Kaptur’s introduced with backing from Democrats Debbie Dingell, Dan Kildee and Haley Stevens of Michigan, Bobby Rush and Brad Schneider of Illinois, Joe Morelle and Paul Tonko of New York, and Gwen Moore of Wisconsin.