Marcy Kaptur (D-OH)
Great Lakes Gateways Network Act of 2025
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H607)
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the ``Great Lakes Gateways Network Act of 2025'', directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide technical and financial assistance within the Great Lakes Watershed. The Secretary will work with the EPA Administrator, federal agencies, and local entities to identify, conserve, restore, and interpret various resources. The plan includes creating a Great Lakes Gateways Network and establishing Great Lakes Watertrails. This network will consist of specific sites and water routes to enhance public education and access. Additionally, the bill establishes a grants assistance program to help local groups and governments with conservation and restoration efforts.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +5
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill provides financial and technical assistance specifically to conserve and restore natural resources in the Great Lakes Watershed.
- Scored +3
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The bill provides grants and technical assistance to local communities and governments within the Great Lakes Watershed.
- Scored +3
Is this likely to create jobs?
The bill funds the development of a gateways network and watertrails which can support local recreation and tourism industries.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Public Education and Access: The Secretary will work to identify sites that enhance public education regarding and access to the Great Lakes (Section 2(a)(1)(B)).
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Improved Connectivity: The bill aims to link gateway sites with trails, tour roads, scenic byways, and other connections (Section 2(a)(1)(C)).
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Development of Water Routes: The bill directs the development of Great Lakes Watertrails, which include water routes and connections to land resources (Section 2(a)(1)(D)).
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Financial Assistance for Conservation: The establishment of the Great Lakes Gateways Grants Assistance Program will aid State and local governments, local communities, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector in conserving, restoring, and interpreting resources (Section 2(b)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Requirement for Local Funding: Under the grants assistance program, recipients must provide the remainder of eligible project costs through non-Federal sources, such as in-kind contributions (Section 2(b)(3)(A-B)).
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Limits on Administrative Funding: Grants are subject to the condition that administrative expenses cannot exceed 10 percent of all eligible project costs (Section 2(b)(3)(C)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill provides grants and technical assistance to local communities and governments within the Great Lakes Watershed. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Increased public access to natural and recreational resources can provide free or low-cost outdoor opportunities. Would people in cities be better off under this? — The network increases accessibility to Great Lakes resources which can benefit populated areas near the watershed. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The enhancement of recreational water routes and trails provides more opportunities for outdoor activity.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill provides financial and technical assistance specifically to conserve and restore natural resources in the Great Lakes Watershed. Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — The bill directs the linking of gateway sites with trails, tour roads, and scenic byways to enhance connectivity.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill funds the development of a gateways network and watertrails which can support local recreation and tourism industries. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill provides grant assistance to the private sector for conservation and resource interpretation within the Great Lakes Watershed.
- Education And Technology
- Does this make it easier to use public money at a school other than the local one? — The bill focuses on public education through the identification and interpretation of historical and natural resources.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make housing cost less? — By developing recreational and cultural sites, the bill may indirectly support local community development.
- 2/10/2025
- Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H607)
- 2/6/2025
- Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E102)
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
David JoyceRepublican · Ohio