The GLLA uses a unique, cost-sharing strategy to fund and perform sediment cleanups and habitat restoration. Under this approach, at least 35 percent of each project is funded by voluntary, non-federal organizations, such as industries, states, and municipalities. Remaining costs are covered by the federal government through Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funds.  Cash is accepted as match, as well as a wide range of in-kind contributions. Services or funds from a settlement agreement or judicial consent decree may count as cost-share. Funds or services under a unilateral administrative order or court order do not count. The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency works collaboratively with its partners to plan and complete the work efficiently and cost-effectively. To learn about becoming a partner, visit www.epa.gov/great-lakes-legacy-act and click on How to Apply for Funding.

 "The city and the county both contributed $350,000, staff time as well, but in return we leveraged about $35 million
[from all the partners] to complete the job."

- Adam Payne, Sheboygan County Administrator

"I think the city did have some concerns early on because it’s a federal program and there’s the general feeling, ‘Are we ever going to get anything done with the red tape that comes with federal funds?' EPA really focused their resources here and their time and talent... They answered all the questions and included us in all the meetings. The City of Sheboygan and Sheboygan County were really active partners in making sure that this was successful." 

- Chad Pelishek, City of Sheboygan​

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Partner Benefits

Experience a fast-track program
Get a seat at the table
Save money through efficiency
Leverage EPA's technical skills
Can include habitat work
Get the project done

Nonfederal Match Flexibility

Cash
​Public-private partnerships
In-kind contributions
​Clean Water State Revolving Funds
Brownfield activities
​State bond programs
Settlement agreements
​Judicial consent decrees

Community Benefits

Property values
Redevelopment
Business growth
Quality of life
Recreation
Scenery
​Tourism​

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In-kind Contributions

In-kind contributions are a common way for nonfederal sponsors to contribute to a Great Lakes Legacy Act project. A variety of resources can count as a contribution, including, but not limited to:

• ​Access to the water
• Land for staging area
• Space in a landfill
• Technical assistance

Ohio EPA was the non-federal partner, and we were able to provide the cost-share through disposal services... And if you think about being creative with cost-share this was a success story because the disposal site was one that Ohio EPA was working with the landowner to get closed. We needed the material, and we were able to get the material from the dredging.

​- Amy Jo Klei, Ohio EPA