LAST CALL – Register Today for the All About Water Convening!
Deadline is September 19, so save your spot today! You are invited to join Freshwater Future and community water leaders from around the Great Lakes to learn from their experiences addressing water challenges such as lead, toxic algae, and PFAS, as well as highlights on innovative ways that communities can keep water affordable. Speakers include renowned leaders Monica Lewis Patrick, Mary Grant, and Tony Spaniola! The one-day conference on October 4 in Benton Harbor, MI is FREE. Limited space is available. Register here to join us and view the agenda. We can’t wait to see you there! Registration Deadline is September 19th.
Your Voice is Needed to Improve New York and Michigan’s Water System Funding
Drinking Water State Revolving Funds are one of the primary sources for funding local water system and infrastructure projects. For example, a community can apply for funding to replace lead pipes to keep drinking water safe and affordable. Yet if changes aren’t made to New York and Michigan’s process we’re concerned money won’t reach the communities that need it the most. You can help by taking action through Freshwater Future today. Right now, New York has its annual plan up for public comment until September 29th and public comments in Michigan are open until September 30th. Submit comments for New York and Michigan today! Stay tuned for more actions as your Great Lakes state’s drinking water fund program goes up for public comment.
Your Voice is Needed to Improve New York and Michigan’s Water System Funding!
Drinking Water State Revolving Funds are one of the primary sources for funding local water system and infrastructure projects. For example, a community can apply for funding to replace lead pipes to keep drinking water safe and affordable. Yet if changes aren’t made to New York and Michigan’s process we’re concerned money won’t reach the communities that need it the most. You can help by taking action through Freshwater Future today. Right now, New York has its annual plan up for public comment until September 29th and public comments in Michigan are open until September 30th. Submit comments for New York and Michigan today! Stay tuned for more actions as your Great Lakes state’s drinking water fund program goes up for public comment.
Need Funding? Freshwater Future Fall Project Grants Deadline is September 30th!
The deadline for Freshwater Future’s Fall Project Grants is just over two weeks away – get your application in by midnight on September 30th! If your community’s or organization’s advocacy efforts focus on protecting or improving drinking water, rivers, lakes, wetlands, shorelines, and groundwater in the Great Lakes region you may be eligible for these grant funds. Any questions regarding applications can be directed to laurie@freshwaterfuture.org or alana@freshwaterfuture.org or call, 231-348-8200. Please watch the recording of our Grants Q&A Webinar or visit our grants portal to learn more!
Halfway There – Help us Meet Our Walk Paddle and Roll Goal!
Biking to work, walking the Detroit Riverwalk, and playing pickleball, are just a few of the activities Freshwater Future staff and board are doing to help raise funds for our work to ensure that everyone has access to clean and affordable water. We are halfway to our goal to raise $8,000! Don’t miss out on your chance to make a difference – please donate to our work protecting the Great Lakes waters and people today! Thank you for your support.
Scajaquada September: Restoring One of New York’s Most Degraded Waterways!
One of the most impaired waters in New York, the Scajaquada Creek in Cheektowaga, New York is getting some much deserved attention with funding to restore the creek’s health. The first step is a feasibility study to address the deteriorated conditions which will pave the way for up to $10 million in federal funds to be completed by Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Restoration of Scajaquada Creek will include re-establishing wetlands, enhancing shoreline habitats, managing invasive species, and improving native plant communities. Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper is dedicating the month of September to recognize the history and promote the vision of restoration for Scajaquada Creek – join them for one of the many Scajaquada September events.
Randle Reef Remediation Project on Lake Ontario Begins Final Stage
Randle Reef, located in the Hamilton Harbour Area of Concern (AOC), used to be the largest site of contaminated sediment on the Canadian side of the Great Lakes. The cleanup of these toxic sediments, a result of more than 150 years of industrial pollution, began in 2016. The final stage will dredge toxic sediments into a massive steel structure that will then be capped with asphalt, The Hamilton Harbour AOC is one of the 14 remaining AOCs on the Canadian side of the Great Lakes that the Federal Government has committed to cleaning up by 2030. Freshwater Future will continue to work to ensure that communities are involved in the clean-up processes of all remaining AOCs.
