Great Lakes Would Benefit From Coast Guard Funding

$8.7 billion in funding for the Coast Guard has been approved by the U.S House and the Great Lakes region could see some benefit as well.

Specifically, money has been provided to design a new Coast Guard icebreaker for the Great Lakes.

Also, a provision will require that future marine sanctuaries follow the process used by the Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary that incorporates public input and balances the industrial needs of the area with environmental protection.

Congressman Dan Benishek, who worked on the legislation, said with more miles of Great Lakes shoreline than any district in the country, Northern Michigan families and businesses depend on the brave men and women of Coast Guard to keep our lakes safe and open to commerce.

The bill now moves on to the Senate.