Posted on December 14, 2021
About GLSNRP
The Great Lakes Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Program provides grants to local and state units of government and nonprofit organizations to install erosion and sediment control practices in the Great Lakes basin. Projects funded under the program are selected on a competitive basis and benefit the Great Lakes states and congressional districts. Since 2010, funding for the program has been provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The program is able to support projects that not typically funded by other U.S. EPA or USDA cost-share programs, allowing the program to fund innovative and unique projects.
The Great Lakes Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Program is a state and federal partnership managed by the Great Lakes Commission in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), and the eight Great Lakes states. It is directed by a regional Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Task Force that includes representatives from the eight Great Lakes states, NRCS and U.S. EPA. The Task Force reviews yearly needs in the basin and adapts the grant program to meet current needs. It employs a rigorous review process that selects projects expected to generate the most impactful environmental and economic benefits for the Great Lakes region.
The program has supported hundreds of projects and provided support for the installation of best management practices and outreach activities. This program has helped to prevent millions of pounds of phosphorus and tons of sediment from reaching the Great Lakes by funding innovative practices to address these issues. Runoff from agricultural land and urban areas can transport tons of sediment and nutrients into waterways throughout the Great Lakes Basin. Excess sediment and phosphorus can contribute to the formation of harmful algal blooms, dead zones and reduce fish habitat resulting in economic and environmental losses. The Great Lakes Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Program seeks to address nutrient and sediment loading by funding the implementation of projects to reduce pollution. The program has provided millions of dollars in support throughout the Great Lakes Basin since it was established in 1988 by the Great Lakes Commission.
Funding
Funding is provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative under a cooperative agreement between the Great Lakes Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
