economy."
Coalition grants to local conservation groups will help provide the tools, capacity and expertise to apply for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funds. The Federal initiative funds projects to clean up toxic pollution that threatens the health of people and wildlife; prevent and control invasive species that cost the region $200 million per year in damages and control costs; and restore wetlands that help improve water quality and provide the foundation for the region's outdoor recreation industry. The coalition will focus its efforts on 5 priority areas including: --Lake Superior: St Louis Bay and St. Louis River; --Lake Michigan: Chicagoland; --Lake Huron: Saginaw Bay; --Lake Erie: Western Lake Erie; and --Lake Ontario: Eastern Lake Ontario.