EPA awards $2.6M for Great Lakes restoration

The Great Lakes are getting a boost through more than $2.6 million in grants that have been awarded to protect and restore Lake Michigan.

U.S. Rep. Danny Davis announced the money for the 2011 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grants in Illinois on Monday. Davis says the Great Lakes are an irreplaceable resource.

The Chicago Park District will get more than $1.2 million to use for the city’s two dozen beaches. The district will also use it for protective barriers for cleaner swimming areas.

The money comes from the Environmental Protection Agency.

EPA program manager Susan Hedman says the grants will help the Great Lakes, community by community.