A bipartisan effort spearheaded by senior Ohio Senator George Voinovich (R), along with Democrats Senator Sherrod Brown and Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson have come together to support funding for the Great Lakes. The group is asking John McCain and Barack Obama and the U.S. Congress to commit $20 billion over five years to restore the Great Lakes

"We have come a long way since the days of the 'Burning River,' but our Great Lakes are still plagued by the invasion of non-native species and sewage overflows that foul our waterways and beaches," said U.S. Senator George Voinovich. "As co-chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, I am hopeful that the presidential candidates will join our fight to protect our drinking water, economy, health and way of life and support full funding for Great Lakes restoration at $20 billion over five years. I also call on the candidates to support the Executive Order to put in place an orchestral leader to oversee the restoration efforts in the Great Lakes."

The money would be spent on the following :

-- Ballast water management legislation to keep destructive invasive species out of the lakes

-- Great Lakes Legacy Act to clean up toxic pollution in 26 Areas of Concern

-- Clean Water Restoration Act to protect an estimated 115,000 miles of streams and numerous isolated wetlands

-- Great Lakes Compact to prohibit the exportation of Great Lakes water out of the region and to ensure the sustainable use of water.

"The Great Lakes drive economic development," said U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown. "By investing in our Great Lakes, we can create new jobs, provide more clean drinking water, and stop the spread of invasive species."