The projects will include cleaning up toxic pollution, fighting invasive species, improving wildlife habitat and protecting watersheds from contaminated runoff. In recent weeks, EPA has been announcing grants for projects around the region from the $300 million allocated for the 2011 fiscal year. The final $6 million from that pot of money will go to the unemployment initiative.
Supporters of the Great Lakes initiative have said it would stimulate the region's economy and create jobs. The newly announced program is unique because it specifically targets jobless workers. An EPA spokesman said the initiative is similar to the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Depression-era program that put the unemployed to work.
EPA will choose projects by the end of September. To qualify, they must provide immediate, direct ecological benefits and be located in areas identified as federal priorities, such as national lakeshores or areas of concern. They also must include a detailed budget and produce measurable results.
Supporters of the Great Lakes initiative have said it would stimulate the region's economy and create jobs. The newly announced program is unique because it specifically targets jobless workers. An EPA spokesman said the initiative is similar to the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Depression-era program that put the unemployed to work.
EPA will choose projects by the end of September. To qualify, they must provide immediate, direct ecological benefits and be located in areas identified as federal priorities, such as national lakeshores or areas of concern. They also must include a detailed budget and produce measurable results.
It's not know how much of this work will involve Lake Erie projects. I will be keeping an eye on this and will pass along what I hear.
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