Kaptur Announces Over $2 Million in NFWF Environmental Awards for Toledo and Sandusky Bay to Strengthen Coastal Resilience and Ecosystem RestorationPress ReleaseTradeJobs and[...]

Toledo, OH - Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) announced two major environmental awards for a total of $2.453 Million from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) aimed at advancing coastal resilience and restoring critical wetlands in the Great Lakes region. These NFWF awards will support critical projects in Toledo and Sandusky Bay, both essential to safeguarding the region's natural habitats and boosting climate resilience for local communities.

The first award, Advancing Nature-based Coastal Resilience across the Great Lakes Region, will support ongoing restoration projects in Toledo and five other Great Lakes cities in partnership with the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative. The $1.94 Million award will help implement nature-based solutions to restore habitats and enhance resilience along the region's vulnerable shorelines. In Toledo, this initiative will be carried out in partnership with TMACOG, and focus on addressing streambank erosion and improving wetland, aquatic, and riparian habitats along the Ottawa River, critical areas threatened by climate change and severe weather.

"By using nature-based solutions to address the impacts of climate change, we are ensuring that our communities, natural ecosystems, and local economies remain resilient in the face of increasing storm events and lake level fluctuations," said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). "This award will further enhance our environmental assets while safeguarding Toledo's waterfront for future generations."

Additionally, the Inner Sandusky Bay Wetlands Restoration project will receive a $513,500 award in partnership with The Nature Conservancy to restore 500 acres of critical wetlands within Sandusky Bay, Lake Erie's largest drowned river mouth. These wetlands have been severely degraded by high water levels, increased storm frequency, and excess nutrient runoff from agricultural practices. This restoration will not only help reduce wave energy and coastal flooding but will also revitalize essential habitats for wildlife, including fish, birds, and aquatic species.

"The Sandusky Bay wetlands are an ecological treasure, but they have suffered due to decades of degradation," continued Congresswoman Kaptur. "Restoring these wetlands will have far-reaching benefits, from reducing flood risks to revitalizing habitats that support local biodiversity. This award will help transform Sandusky Bay into a more resilient and vibrant ecosystem, ensuring it remains a valuable, arable resource for our Northwest Ohio region."

Both projects administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation are coordinated in partnership with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as the environmental grantee organizations. The restoration efforts will provide environmental and economic benefits by improving water quality, supporting local wildlife, and enhancing recreational opportunities throughout our Great Lakes.

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