Traverse City, Mich. — Flow Water Advocates opposes the proposed federal environmental budget, which includes major cuts to programs that protect clean water, public health, and the Great Lakes.
“These budget cuts would jeopardize the water and systems that Michiganders and people throughout the Great Lakes region rely on,” said Liz Kirkwood, Executive Director of Flow Water Advocates. “From the Great Lakes to groundwater, the health and safety of our water depends on strong federal support for monitoring, infrastructure, and protection.”
The proposal includes deep cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and what may be the most consequential reduction for Michigan: the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs). The SRFs are a primary source of funding for critical infrastructure projects, failing septic systems, wastewater treatment, and ensuring safe drinking water.
The proposed cuts would total roughly $2.5 billion — an 89 percent reduction to these programs nationwide. In fiscal year 2024, Michigan received $35.1 million in funding in traditional appropriations for its clean water revolving loan fund and $11.3 million for its drinking water revolving loan fund. (Michigan received additional one-time appropriations for the revolving loan funds from the federal bipartisan infrastructure law.)
Flow Water Advocates urges federal leaders to protect investments in clean water programs that safeguard public health, support local economies, and uphold the shared responsibility to protect our waters for future generations.
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Flow Water Advocates is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Traverse City, Michigan. Our mission is to ensure the waters of the Great Lakes Basin are healthy, public, and protected for all. With a staff of legal and policy experts, strategic communicators, and community builders, Flow is a trusted resource for Great Lakes advocates. We help communities, businesses, agencies, and governments make informed policy decisions and protect public trust rights to water. Learn more at FlowWaterAdvocates.org.
