The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is granting $7.9 million to the Great Lakes Areas of Concern.  The money will be used for projects to restore habitats, according to the Associated Press.

Both Michigan United States Senators, Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, are members of the Great Lakes Task Force.  They announced the grant on Wednesday afternoon.

There are 33 million people who consume water from the Great Lakes.  The money will be used to ensure that the water is safe to drink, according to Senator Peters.

Some of the grant money will be used to protect wildlife habitats in the Great Lakes and maintain the waterways, said Senator Stabenow.

A partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Great Lakes state and local agencies will be led by the Great Lakes Commission to ensure the most is made of the grant money.

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