Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the Lake Champlain Basin Program Enhancements Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would renew funding for the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) for five years at $35 million. The legislation supports ongoing conservation work and efforts to protect the lake’s health. It would also strengthen the program’s financial and administrative efficiency with input from local partners and the Lake Champlain Steering Committee.
“The Lake Champlain Basin is a vast, historic, and invaluable resource that is deeply important to communities in the North Country and must be protected,” said Senator Gillibrand. “For families, farmers, and small businesses across Upstate New York, Lake Champlain is central to daily life and local economies. This legislation will help ensure the Basin continues to provide clean drinking water, safeguard critical wildlife habitats, and support tourism and local jobs for years to come.”
Senator Gillibrand introduced the legislation alongside Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Peter Welch (D-VT) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT). Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) and Becca Balint (D-VT-AL) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Lake Champlain is a crown jewel of Upstate NY. The Lake Champlain Basin Program is how we protect the natural beauty of Lake Champlain’s waters and wildlife, which are essential to the region’s tourism economy. That is why I’m proud to introduce legislation to keep this program running,” said Senator Schumer. “This critical legislation will strengthen the preservation of Lake Champlain’s health and beauty, ensuring residents and people coming from across the country can enjoy this gorgeous and historic lake. I’ll keep fighting to ensure Lake Champlain remains an economic anchor for the Adirondack region’s outdoor-recreation economy and continues to inspire generations to come.”
“Lake Champlain is an important part of Vermont’s culture. The Lake Champlain Watershed is a designated resource of national significance, provides drinking water to an estimated 250,000 people, and is home to shipwrecks, Revolutionary War-era forts, and abundant aquatic ecosystems. That’s why investing in the Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program, which has supported conservation, healthy ecosystems, and thriving rural communities, is vital,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to partner with Rep. Stefanik on this effort to support the important work of the LCBP and ensure it continues for years to come.”
“Lake Champlain is one of Vermont’s most treasured natural resources, and we must do everything we can to protect it,” said Senator Sanders. “For the past 30 years, the Lake Champlain Basin Program has worked to reduce pollution, restore habitats, mitigate harmful invasive species and educate residents and visitors. I look forward to seeing the good work the program will continue to do over the next five years to protect Lake Champlain for current and future generations.”
The lawmakers’ bill would strengthen local oversight of LCBP operations while reauthorizing the program through 2032. Specifically, the legislation would:
- Establish a process through which the EPA and the Lake Champlain Steering Committee may periodically evaluate the efficacy of LCBP’s fiscal agent—the organization that helps manage LCBP finances and executes grant awards—and, if needed, select a new fiscal agent for the program.
- Reauthorize LCBP funding at $35 million annually through 2032.
- Formally authorize the partnership between LCBP and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, allowing for greater support for the Lake and collaboration between Federal, State and local, and non-governmental partners.
Read the full text of the bill here.
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