Lawmakers tout Great Lakes cleanup plan

WASHINGTON - A massive cleanup plan to restore the Great Lakes for future generations needs to be a priority in Congress this year, lawmakers and environmental activists said Wednesday. Members of Congress representing Great Lakes states outlined a $20 billion plan to improve water quality, restore fish and wildlife around the lakes and guard against invasive species that could inflict economic pain on the region.
The Great Lakes provide drinking water to about 40 million people and represent about 20 percent of the world‘s supply of fresh water. The waters are key to the region‘s tourist economy and industrial base.
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The proposal would help implement a Great Lakes restoration plan issued in December 2005 and based on suggestions from a broad array of lawmakers, environmentalists and regional activists.
President Bush ‘s budget proposal includes $7.6 million to complete an electronic barrier to target the Asian carp, which emerged from Southern fish farms in the early 1990s and has been making its way up the Mississippi River.
Congress approved a measure last year to reauthorize up to $16 million a year for grants to restore fish and wildlife habitats in the lakes. Lawmakers noted that Congress has supported large programs to restore the Florida Everglades in the past and must not shortchange the Great Lakes.
A large portion of the funding could come from a state loan program that helps communities improve their wastewater infrastructure. But supporters of the Great Lakes plan said a restoration plan would pay dividends in future years.