Lake Champlain Basin receives bipartisan, bicameral support

WASHINGTON, D.C. | Federal lawmakers in New York and Vermont have introduced the Lake Champlain Basin Program Enhancements Act, which would renew funding for the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) for five years at $35 million. The legislation supports ongoing conservation work and efforts to protect the lake's health. It would also strengthen the program's financial and administrative efficiency with input from local partners and the Lake Champlain Steering Committee. In separate press releases issued Thursday, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) highlighted efforts to renew funding for the Lake Champlain Basin Program in support of ongoing lake conservation and health. Sen. Gillibrand introduced the legislation alongside Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Peter Welch (D-VT) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT). Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) and Becca Balint (D-VT-AL) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. SENATE The lawmakers' bill would strengthen local oversight of LCBP operations while reauthorizing the program through 2032. Specifically, the legislation would: Establish a process through which the EPA and the Lake Champlain Steering Committee may periodically evaluate the efficacy of LCBP's fiscal agent—the organization that helps manage LCBP finances and executes grant awards—and, if needed, select a new fiscal agent for the program.Reauthorize LCBP funding at $35 million annually through 2032.Formally authorize the partnership between LCBP and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, allowing for greater support for the Lake and collaboration between Federal, State and local, and non-governmental partners. SEN. KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND "The Lake Champlain Basin is a vast, historic, and invaluable resource that is deeply important to communities in the North Country and must be protected," said Sen. Gillibrand. "For families, farmers, and small businesses across Upstate New York, Lake Champlain is central to daily life and local economies. This legislation will help ensure the Basin continues to provide clean drinking water, safeguard critical wildlife habitats, and support tourism and local jobs for years to come." SEN. CHARLES SCHUMER "Lake Champlain is a crown jewel of Upstate NY. The Lake Champlain Basin Program is how we protect the natural beauty of Lake Champlain's waters and wildlife, which are essential to the region's tourism economy. That is why I'm proud to introduce legislation to keep this program running," said Sen. Schumer. "This critical legislation will strengthen the preservation of Lake Champlain's health and beauty, ensuring residents and people coming from across the country can enjoy this gorgeous and historic lake. I'll keep fighting to ensure Lake Champlain remains an economic anchor for the Adirondack region's outdoor-recreation economy and continues to inspire generations to come." Read the full text of the bill here. HOUSE Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Chairwoman of House Republican Leadership, joined in introducing the bipartisan, bicameral Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) Enhancements Act of 2026 to reauthorize the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) for five years to support the health and conservation of the Lake Champlain Basin. REP. ELISE STEFANIK "Throughout my time in Congress, I have a long, bipartisan record of delivering results for the Lake Champlain region. Upstate New Yorkers rely on the Lake Champlain Basin for clean drinking water, and millions of Americans each year witness the beauty of its wildlife habitats and participate in efforts to restore its watershed. I'm grateful to work alongside Senator Welch on this legislation to invest in the longevity of Lake Champlain, ensuring future generations can continue to cherish and depend on this natural resource," said Stefanik. Rep. Stefanik has long advocated for Lake Champlain and successfully delivered $10 million in funding last month for the Great Lake Fishery Commission to preserve and protect Lake Champlain in the North Country and to invest in an educational and outreach center. Read the full text here.

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Lake Champlain Basin receives bipartisan, bicameral support

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