Editorial

Obscure Websites and Protecting Great Lakes

Big pot of federal money attracts attention

Reporters, editors, activists and some politicians have used strong language to describe the consequences of possible spending reductions in activities funded through a $300 million federal “Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.”

The Associated Press reported that the spending “combats invasive species, curbs nutrient-fueled algae blooms, cleans up toxic messes and restores sensitive fish and wildlife habitat.”

ForTheRecord says: The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funds hundreds of activities.

For example, in 2010, the initiative gave $440,519 to an obscure website called the Great Lakes Regional Research Information Network (GLRRIN) for “expanding Lake Michigan food web knowledge.”

Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.