Freshwater Future Weekly News: June 14, 2024

This Week: Your Voice is Needed to Improve Drinking Water Funding in Pennsylvania; Thank you to Everyone who contributed to Freshwater Future’s Wonders of the Great Lakes Auction; Meet Our Newest Additions to the Team: Josh Heupel and Ava Fink; Ontario Announces $1.8 million for the Great Lakes Local Action Fund; Nuclear Power in the Great Lakes Region–the Risks to Water Quality and Public Health

Your Voice is Needed to Improve Drinking Water Funding in Pennsylvania! 

Water systems across the nation are aging and need upgrades to deliver safe drinking water.  The main funding program to improve drinking water infrastructure for utilities – the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund – is now open for public comment for Pennsylvania. Changes must be made to the program to make sure the money reaches the communities that need it most. Last year, our comments helped win improved definitions of environmental justice as well as which communities receive technical assistance – and this year we can go further! Our neighbors in Pennsylvania deserve access to safe, clean, and affordable water! You can help by taking action through Freshwater Future today. Right now, Pennsylvania’s annual plan is open for public comment until Monday, June 17th. Don’t wait — submit comments for Pennsylvania today! 

Thank you to Everyone who contributed to Freshwater Future’s Wonders of the Great Lakes Auction!

The Wonders of the Great Lakes Auction was a resounding success, raising nearly $3,000 to support Freshwater Future’s work. Thanks to everyone who participated and we hope the winning bidders enjoy their gear, trips, and gifts! None of this would have been possible without the generous donations from the following amazing businesses and organizations!

Meet Our Newest Additions to the Team: Josh Heupel and Ava Fink!

Freshwater Future is excited to introduce you to our summer Fellow Josh Heupel and Intern Ava Fink! Over the summer, these talented students will have an opportunity to learn about nonprofit organizations, gain work experience, as well as build their skills to support their future careers. Their work this summer supports Freshwater Future’s policy work on two of the most critical issues in the Great Lakes: water privatization and mining. Josh is researching policies in the Great Lakes region related to privatization of water utilities. You can learn more about Josh and Ava in our blog!

Ontario Announces CA$1.8 million for the Great Lakes Local Action Fund

The Ontario government has announced an additional CA$1.8 million investment in the Great Lakes Local Action Fund to support community based water projects. Eligible projects for the 2024-2025 funding cycle should focus on climate change resilience and water quality improvement. Examples include planting native species, managing invasive species, preventing shoreline erosion, reducing road salt use, and tackling plastic pollution. The deadline for applications is September 26, 2024. Learn more about the program and how to apply here!