The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between Canada and the U.S. committed the governments to develop and implement remedial action plans (RAPs) in Areas of Concern (AOCs) around the Great Lakes. AOCs are geographic areas that are severely degraded, often due to water contamination from chemicals such as PCB´s and heavy metals or excessive nutrient contributions.

Wisconsin is responsible for implementing five RAPs, including Lower Fox River/Green Bay, Milwaukee Estuary, Sheboygan River and Harbor, St. Louis River system and Menominee River at Marinette. Actions are being implemented at each of the AOCs that are aimed at restoring and protecting their designated uses.

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) is providing unprecedented funding to restore our Great Lakes.
Read about the many projects in Wisconsin spurred by the first round of GLRI grants.