U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-C, Schuylerville) has announced the appropriation of $50 million in funding for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to preserve and protect Lake Champlain.

“The funds will be used for fishery restoration, to combat invasive species such as the sea lamprey, protect the lake’s biodiversity and strengthen the local economy,” according to Stefanik.

Ethan Baker, vice-chair of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, said the lake is a vital resource to be preserved.

“Lake Champlain is one of North America’s great water resources providing food, drinking water and recreations to the people of New York, Vermont and Quebec,” Baker said.

He added that the commission is excited to collaborate with Stefanik now and in coming years, to focus more attention on the New York side of Lake Champlain.

The southern tip of Lake Champlain extends into Whitehall and is believed by many to be the birthplace of the United States Navy. The lake runs north from there along the county’s eastern border with Vermont all the way to the Canadian province of Quebec.