Advocates Want Congress To OK Great Lakes Cleanup Spending

TRAVERSE CITY (AP) -- Groups that support a multi-year Great Lakes cleanup program are pressing Congress to finish work on legislation that would kick in more money.

The U.S. Senate approved a national water projects bill this week that would keep annual spending at $300 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The program focuses on major environmental problems for the lakes such as invasive species, toxic pollution and harmful algae.

Also in the measure is funding for drinking water and sewer infrastructure upgrades.

And it would provide emergency help to Flint, Michigan, for replacing lead pipes that contributed to a drinking water crisis.

A different version of the water bill is awaiting action in the House.

Todd Ambs of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition says the funding is essential for the lakes.