Gov. Snyder orders reorganization to benefit Great Lakes

LANSING — Governor Rick Snyder issued an executive order to move the Office of the Great Lakes to the Department of Natural Resources.

The Great Lakes are currently supervised by the Department of Environmental Quality, but Snyder believes that the office will be better utilized under the DNR. The reorganization will reportedly create more opportunities for investment and partnerships that will benefit the lakes.

“The Great Lakes are one of Michigan’s most prized natural resources,” Snyder said in a press release. “Proper protection and management of the lakes is critical to our future. Moving the Office of the Great Lakes to the DNR will strengthen opportunities for improved management of the lakes by better aligning programs and responsibilities within state government.”

The move will take effect on December 28th. Jon Allan will remain at the helm of the Office of the Great Lakes as director and as a member of the governor’s cabinet. The office will also retain all current programs and responsibilities.

To view the executive order, click HERE.