Walker Opposes Trump’s Plan To Eliminate Great Lakes Restoration Funding

Gov. Scott Walker opposes President Donald Trump’s proposal to remove federal funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Trump wants to eliminate federal support of the program that addresses the Great Lakes’ most pressing environmental threats.

Trump’s 2018 budget released Thursday would remove all funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which has received strong support from members of Congress in both parties since President Barack Obama established it in 2009.

The program has pumped more than $2.2 billion into the eight-state region for projects that have removed toxic wastes from industrial harbors, fought invasive species such as Asian carp, restored wildlife habitat and supported efforts to prevent harmful algal blooms.

“It makes sense for us to continue to make prudent investments in protecting and improving the Great Lakes,” Walker said.

The initiative has generally received about $300 million a year. Congress voted last year to authorize the program for five more years.

Walker aid he will talk with both the Trump administration as well as Republicans who control the U.S. House and Senate about restoring the funding.

Seven of Wisconsin’s eight congressional members signed a letter in February asking Trump to protect the money, a call he ignored.

A Trump campaign representative said last fall the Republican nominee supported the program.