oowch...Great Lakes programs, a reduction of $56 million,

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.

http://www.healthylakes.org/great-lakes-congressional-watch/heard-on-the-hill/2008/02/06/white-house-budget-leaves-great-lakes-on-thin-ice

 

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