WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP)-- Advocates for the Great Lakes are meeting in Washington, D.C., this week to push for continued funding of cleanup programs and discuss water quality issues such as algae blooms and oil transportation.
The Great Lakes Commission representing the region's eight states and two Canadian provinces wraps up a two-day gathering Wednesday with a session on disposal of dredged material and other maritime transportation topics.
On Tuesday, commission members heard presentations about ways to reduce nutrient runoff blamed for toxic algae outbreaks.
Also meeting in Washington on Wednesday and Thursday is the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition.
Both organizations will visit congressional offices to lobby against President Barack Obama's proposal to reduce funding of a multi-year Great Lakes cleanup program from $300 million this year to $250 million next year.