Leaders Concerned of How Sequester Cuts Could Affect Water Quality in Macomb, Region

U.S. Rep. Sander Levin, D-Royal Oak, was joined Tuesday by local and county officials, along with area non-profits, to discuss the potential harmful affects of further sequestration cuts could have on water quality in the region.

"The projects and particular programs that will be cut as part of sequestration go directly toward managing invasive species (such as Asian carp)," said Jack Schmitt, of League of Conservation Voters.

Schmitt, and others who attended the press conference stated that the cuts will also affect effort to clean up the Clinton River, Lake St. Clair, and the fund that provides low-interest loans to communities to fund stormwater improvement projects.

"If we don't do something to solve the budget deficit, we are looking at another round of cuts," Schmitt added. 

According to Levin's office, the Clean Water Revolving Fund has provided low interest loans for 467 projects, totaling $3.9 billion. The sequester cut Michigan’s program funding from $60.77 million in 2012 to $57.46 million in 2013, a reduction of $3.64 million. 

TheGreat Lakes Restoration Initiative was reduced by approximately $16 million in FY 2013 as a result of sequestration to just $284 million. There is a proposed 14 percent cut in 2014, which would reduce GLRI by an additional $39.7 million next year, according to Levin.

"A lot of the politics that go in Washington is really unfortunate for people here in communities in Michigan," said Eric Keller, of Clean Water Action, who stated the funding is important for the environment and business. "Michigan is the Great Lakes state. We have a blue economy where a lot of industries, not just in tourism and agriculture, but also the auto industry need clean water."