© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Kildee: Trump's call to gut Great Lakes funding "reckless"

Congressman Dan Kildee
Photo courtesy of the Office of Congressman Dan Kildee

U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint, isn't happy with the president's 2019 budget proposal that was released today.

Trump's latest budget proposal looks to cut the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative by $267,963,000 -- or by about 90%.

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative aims to protect the lakes from pollution and invasive species. 

In a statement released today, Kildee calls the cuts reckless.

"Cutting Great Lakes investments by 90% — essentially eliminating the program — threatens the health of our lakes and jeopardizes Michigan’s economy. The Great Lakes help to generate billions of dollars in economic activity and support 1.5 million good-paying jobs in the tourism, boating and fishing industries,” Kildee said.

More from Kildee’s statement:

“In Congress, both Republicans and Democrats have rejected President Trump’s previous attempts to cut Great Lakes funding. I will fight these draconian cuts in every way that I can,” he said.

Trump's plan looks to cut the overall Environmental Protection Agency budget by nearly $3 billion – or about 34%. 

Bryce Huffman was Michigan Radio’s West Michigan Reporter and host of Same Same Different. He is currently a reporter for Bridge Detroit.
Related Content