The Great Lakes are one of America’s most important natural features. They account for 90 percent of the United States’ and 20 percent of the world’s surface fresh water.

The 12-state Great Lakes economic region is a vital part of the U.S. economy--300 of the nation’s Fortune 1000 firms are located in this area.

The Great Lakes directly impact the lives of roughly 35 million people who live in the 12 states and Canadian provinces surrounding them. They provide drinking water, recreation, commercial transportation, and tangible and intangible quality of life benefits.

The Great Lakes and their waterways offer a tremendous opportunity for reinvigorating the economy of the region and boosting the competitiveness of the nation as a whole.

This “North Coast” of the U.S. offers the prospect of environmentally and financially sustainable commercial and population growth.

The Great Lakes region has the potential to be the center of new water-based innovation--it is home to the nation’s leading freshwater research centers and has the largest number of private firms engaged in fresh water technology development.

It has the world’s leading network of universities which produce 38% of the nation’s bachelors degree holders and 37% of the nation’s advanced science and engineering graduates.

By protecting the water and lands in the Great Lakes watershed, our region can be a key asset in strengthening the U.S. economy. Our backyard can serve as a platform for sustainable economic growth, a crucible for freshwater protection and technology development, as well as a magnet for skilled workers.

Information included here is from the report, “Healthy Waters, Strong Economy: The Benefits of Restoring the Great Lakes Ecosystem" by J.C. Austin, S. Anderson, P.N. Courant, R.E. Litan, Sept. 2007, The Brookings Institution – Great Lakes Economic Initiative.