Great Lakes Gateways Network Act of 2025

The Great Lakes Gateways Network Act of 2025 proposes to establish a coordinated system of "gateway" sites to enhance public access and education throughout the Great Lakes watershed. Modeled after the Chesapeake Bay Initiative, the bill would direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency to identify and link significant natural, historical, and cultural locations. These sites could include state and federal parks, historic seaports, and water trails across the eight states bordering the Great Lakes.

If enacted, the legislation would authorize $6 million in annual federal funding from 2026 through 2031 to provide matching grants to state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and private entities. These grants would cover up to 50% of the costs for projects aimed at restoring habitats, improving recreational facilities like boat launches and hiking trails, and developing educational programs about the region's heritage. The bill aims to boost the regional economy by promoting tourism and ensuring the long-term environmental stewardship of the world's largest freshwater system.