From David Dempsey that was then, this is now...
Now:
The Bush Administration's proposed fiscal year 2009 budget calls for $295 million for Great Lakes programs, a reduction of $56 million, or 16%, from current enacted levels.
Then:
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to help establish a regional collaboration of national significance for the Great Lakes, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Policy. The Great Lakes are a national treasure constituting the largest freshwater system in the world.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/05/20040518-3.html
