President Obama came through on a campaign pledge last month, signing legislation that will provide $475 million to launch his Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. That’s nearly double Washington’s previous annual commitment to the lakes, and a huge benefit for the millions of people who live within the Great Lakes watershed and for uncounted others who care about these vast and unique inland seas.

The money, part of the Interior Department’s annual spending bill, will fund the cleanup of contaminated sediments, help to restore wetlands and other wildlife habitats and to prevent flooding. It also will be used to try to stop invasive species, which are brought in by international vessels and threaten the health of the lakes.

The news is especially encouraging for Buffalo, which has a strong possibility of securing funds for a $60 million project to remove contaminated sediments from the Buffalo River, as well as winning local funding for a habitat rehabilitation project on the Niagara River. Buffalo is in a strong position to get federal money because matching local funds already have been specified, according to Julie O’Neill, executive director of the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper.

The funding, which the House of Representatives had cut to $400 million, comes at an important moment. Not only will it help put Americans to work during this jobless recovery, it also takes advantage of the Great Lakes Compact, the 2008 agreement by the eight Great Lakes states to do their part to preserve the lakes. Tourism and fishing industries should also benefit, and with Buffalo’s waterfront about to take a giant leap ahead, that’s more good news for Western New York, whose fishing opportunities are unique.

The lakes need help. They and their wetlands have been abused for decades, but as one-fifth of the planet’s surface fresh water supply and water source for 35 million people, they need care. This legislation provides it.

This is a terrific start for Obama, whose home state of Illinois borders Lake Michigan and who pledged in his election campaign to spend upward of $5 billion to restore the lakes. With two Great Lakes and a historic river that connects them, Western New York has reason to get an early start on Thanksgiving.