Rep. Bob Latta discusses Great Lakes research funding

OAK HARBOR - As a congressman actively involved with the Ohio Sea Grant for over 20 years, U.S. Rep. Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green, said he understands the importance of a healthy Lake Erie to Ohioans.

Earlier this year, programs dedicated to lake research and preservation, such as Sea Grant and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), became the subject of potential significant cuts in a budget proposal released by the Trump administration.

Following a vocal bipartisan response from state and national legislatures defending the programs, the funding was maintained at its existing levels this year, including $300 million for the GLRI.

“I think it’s important that the funds are kept where they are,” Latta said. “It’s not only for the health of the lake, but drinking water, tourism and all of the other things the lake provides.”

Though state environmental officials still expressed concerns last week about the long-term funding of the programs, Latta said he will support them if proposed cuts arise in future fiscal years.

The way local, state and federal agencies have been working together to try to tackle Lake Erie’s harmful algal blooms is a great example of cooperation between the various levels of government, he said.

After the 2014 bloom ultimately led to Toledo’s water crisis in August of that year, Latta said he worked with local and state officials to draft the Drinking Water Protection Act, which was signed into law in 2015.

“We want to protect it and make sure we have that resource,” he said. “We’re looking at the largest source of fresh water in the world — it’s right here.”

In April, Latta introduced a bill that aims to put the ongoing research into preserving the Great Lakes at the fingertips of both the public and lawmakers by establishing an accessible central database.

The bill would authorize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, to compile research and information on algal blooms in the Great Lakes and requires findings be reported to Congress and made available to the public.

“What’s happening in Lake Erie isn’t just happening here, it’s happening all over the world,” Latta said. “It’s important for us to have all the information.  I think NOAA is a very good place to start to make sure this information gets disseminated to Congress.”

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