By AP
UNDATED – Advocates are lobbying Congress to boost spending on Great Lakes environmental protection and preventing an Asian carp invasion.
More than 100 activists from across the region are visiting House and Senate members Tuesday in Washington, D.C.
They want the government to put $475 million into the 2011 budget for a Great Lakes restoration program, the same amount approved for this year. President Barack Obama has requested $300 million.
Another priority is enacting legislation to make sure the restoration takes place.
The group also is pushing for an effective strategy to keep Asian carp out of the lakes and eventually to separate the lakes from the Mississippi River basin.
The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition is organizing the lobbying blitz.