Two northern Michigan Coast Guard stations will see cuts under President Obama's proposed federal budgets.
The President wants to shut down the Coast Guard's summer search-and-rescue facility near Muskegon and shift responsibility for the region to the air station in Traverse City.
However, that could cause even more problems for distressed boaters, said Senator Carl Levin, because the President wants to reduce resources in Traverse City as well...
"The number of helicopters has been reduced, and we've got to restore that. And that's an additional one helicopter."
Right now, five helicopters are based in Traverse City. The President's budget reduces that number to three, and the Coast Guard said at least four are needed to properly serve the region.
Levin, and Senator Debbie Stabenow, are hoping to restore funding for both facilities through the appropriations process.
Copyright 2010, MPRN
The President wants to shut down the Coast Guard's summer search-and-rescue facility near Muskegon and shift responsibility for the region to the air station in Traverse City.
However, that could cause even more problems for distressed boaters, said Senator Carl Levin, because the President wants to reduce resources in Traverse City as well...
"The number of helicopters has been reduced, and we've got to restore that. And that's an additional one helicopter."
Right now, five helicopters are based in Traverse City. The President's budget reduces that number to three, and the Coast Guard said at least four are needed to properly serve the region.
Levin, and Senator Debbie Stabenow, are hoping to restore funding for both facilities through the appropriations process.
Copyright 2010, MPRN