Congress OKs $300 million for Great Lakes cleanup

By JOHN FLESHER
AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — 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 said 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.