A federal program that protects the Great Lakes against environmental threats could lose it's funding under a budget released Thursday by President Donald Trump.

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative normally receives about $300 million dollars each year-- but not the President says state and local governments will have to pick up the tab.

In cities like Manitowoc, Lake Michigan is a tremendous asset--and in 2009 the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative was established by members of Congress in both parties-- to help protect and restore the entire system which borders 8 states.

However-- funding now, could be in jeopardy, at least at the federal level.

Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels said,"Some of these federal funds have gone to protecting the sea wall, they've gotten some sea wall grants from the federal government along our river and lakefront. We've got a lot of money for beach control, quality and control of our beaches."

To date the program has pumped 2.2 billion dollars into the region--- which has also been used to remove toxic waste and fight invasive species like the Asian Carp.

In a statement, Congressman Mike Gallagher voiced opposition to the President saying “…his specific proposal to cut funding for the Great Lakes is both short sided (sic) and ill-advised.”

Governor Scott Walker agreed saying to the Associated Press "It makes sense for us to continue to make prudent investments in protecting and improving the Great Lakes."

Also-- Senator Tammy Baldwin in a letter to Governor Walker, said, "Local governments simply do not have the resources to replace this funding."

Nickels added, "It's just another unfunded mandate from above you know.."

He went on saying, "Again, I don't think any local community here is going to allow it just to go under without the state or local communities doing something about it."

Last February, seven of Wisconsin's eight Congressional members signed a letter asking the President to protect the funding.