A new study says investing in Great Lakes restoration will bring big economic benefits - including increased tourism. (Photo by Andy Brush)
A new study released this week (September 5th) says spending money on the Great Lakes will have major economic benefits. The Florida Everglades and the Chesapeake Bay have received a lot in federal and state money to restore their ecosystems. Mark Brush reports some say it’s time for the Great Lakes to receive similar assistance:
Transcript
A new study released this week (September 5th) says spending money on the Great Lakes will have major economic benefits. The Florida Everglades and the Chesapeake Bay have received a lot in federal and state money to restore their ecosystems. Mark Brush reports some say it’s time for the Great Lakes to receive similar assistance:
The researchers say that if a 26 billion dollar plan to clean up the Great Lakes is enacted – it will bring 80 to100 billion dollars in direct economic benefits. They say the benefits would come from things such as higher property values, more tourism, and more economic development.
John Austin is with the Brookings Institution and one of the authors of the study. He says businesses today want to build in places associated with good quality of life:
“So much of the economic development in our country has been on the west coast and the east coast and what we’re saying is our fresh water coast provides as much opportunity for that kind of wonderful lifestyle that many people want, but only if we keep it clean and make it available to people.”
There are several bills in Congress aimed at cleaning up the Lakes. The researchers hope their study will provide incentive to pass these bills. For the Environment Report, I’m Mark Brush.