A coalition gathers in Milwaukee to suggest policy guidelines for the new President and Congress. The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition is made up of zoos, aquariums, recreational outdoor groups and environmentalists. They're sponsoring the three day conference which concludes Friday. The group wants implementation of a $20-billion plan to clean up the lakes, stop invasive species and restore habitat such as wetlands.
Jeff Skelding, National Campaign Director of the Coalition, says representatives from both the camps of John McCain and Barack Obama will be in attendance Friday afternoon to explain what their respective candidates' plan for the lakes.
The Brookings Institution reports lakes clean up would add $80 to 100 billion in economic benefit to the region with increased tourism, fishing, home values and recreation. Milwaukee alone would get a $1.5 billion boost.