Press Releases

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council and the Belle Isle Conservancy as recipients of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Trash Free Waters grants.

The Macatawa Area Coordinating Council (MACC) based in Holland, will lead volunteer cleanup efforts, install trash and recycling receptacles, and remove large debris which has accumulated on Lake Michigan shorelines due to high water levels and storm events. The MACC will receive $171,695 in GLRI grants for this effort. The Belle Isle Conservancy in Detroit will establish a coalition to lead volunteer trash removal efforts along the Detroit River shoreline. The Conservancy expects to organize thousands of volunteers to remove over 30,000 pounds of trash from the Detroit River and will receive $300,000 in GLRI grants to support their efforts.

“Erosion and high water levels have created challenges and a new source of debris for communities along the shores of the Great Lakes,” said U.S. Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02), Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force. “These grants will help clear these new hazards as well as create a healthier Great Lakes ecosystem by cleaning up waste, litter, and trash from waterways and beaches.”

"The MACC and our West Michigan coalition of partners are honored to be among the first recipients of this new EPA grant program,” said Macatawa Area Coordinating Council Environmental Program Manager Kelly Goward. “In spite of recent and continuing challenges, we know that volunteers are eager to get out and help cleanup and protect our Lake Michigan shoreline. The grant will help broaden our outreach to new audiences and support much needed cleanup efforts on beaches impacted by high water.”

“Regional collaboration is of the utmost importance to protecting our precious water resources,” said Belle Isle Conservancy President Michele Hodges. “We are honored to be selected for this grant, and look forward to working with dedicated volunteers and partner organizations in advancing this meaningful work.”

“Today EPA is proud to announce nearly $1.2 million in grants to remove hundreds of tons of trash from the Great Lakes,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Trash Free Waters has the chance of becoming one of the most successful new programs launched by EPA in recent years, given how quickly it’s travelled from idea to execution.”

Launched in July 2019, the Trash-Free Great Lakes program aims to remove trash, litter, and garbage – including plastics – from marine and freshwater environments. The EPA requested competitive applications for $2 million in GLRI funding for community-based projects to clean up beaches and waterways to ensure the Great Lakes watershed continues to provide habitat for wildlife and drinking water and recreation for all Americans.  When the program was initially launched Congressman Huizenga lauded the effort saying, “This announcement by the EPA demonstrates how the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative can play an even greater role in protecting and preserving the Great Lakes. This program will help get plastic and other garbage out of the Great Lakes by cleaning up harbors, rivers, and beaches.  A healthy Great Lakes improves recreation opportunities and strengthens Michigan’s economy. I am glad to see the EPA continue to utilize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative in a positive way."