MichiganRadio

Reducing Pollution In The Great Lakes ANN ARBOR, MI (Michigan Radio) -

Michigan farmers are getting $9 million from the federal government to reduce pollution in the Great Lakes.

The money is part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the program will provide financial and technical assistance to farmers to improve water quality.

"By giving farmers resources, and the ability to improve their land for conservation purposes, it will avoid runoff," says Vilsack, "It will avoid soil erosion, and the chemicals and pesticides, that would carry it into the water."

The Obama administration is providing a total of $33 million in restoration funds to farmers in the Great Lakes region. © Copyright 2012, Michigan Radio