The Michigan League of Conservation Voters is criticizing President Barack Obama's decision to cut funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
The program received $475,000,000 in its first year, and about $300,000,000 a year since. The President's proposed 2015 budget funds the program at $275,000,000.
Katie Sulau is Communication Manager for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. She says for every dollar spent on Great Lakes restoration, there's a two dollar return in increased fishing, tourism and home values.
Sulau says the timing of the President's budget proposal is interesting, as Great Lakes restoration advocates are meeting in Washington, D.C. this week. She says they'll be meeting with Michigan's Congressional delegation and others to push for funding to be restored.