© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Congress OKs $300 million for Great Lakes cleanup

By AP

TRAVERSE CITY, MI –

Congress has set aside $300 million to continue a wide-ranging program to heal the Great Lakes environment by removing toxic sediments, improving wildlife habitat
and fighting invasive species.

The money was included in a larger spending bill that cleared the House and Senate last week and is awaiting President Barack Obama's signature.

Congress appropriated $475 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative in 2010 and just under $300 million last year. The new $300 million installment will be for the 2012 fiscal year.

Jeff Skelding of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition says next year's federal budget is a victory for people who depend on the Great Lakes for drinking water and jobs.

The Great Lakes region also is expected to get $533 million in loans for sewer upgrades.

Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!