Governor says "Hell No" to sharing Great Lakes water

Grand Rapids - Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm doesn't think much of a proposal to take water from the Great Lakes to send West. In fact, when asked about the plan floated by New Mexico Governor and Presidential Candidate Bill Richardson, Granholm said, ?Hell No. That's my response."

Richardson supports a national water policy. That could mean pulling water for other states, from the Great Lakes. Richardson made his comments in an interview with the Las Vegas Sun newspaper last week. Nevada is one of several parched western states that are looking for ways to supply enough water for a growing population. Water is one of Michigan's most valuable natural resources. Perhaps that's why New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson is looking to the Great Lakes to help parched Western states.

Richardson was quoted in the Las Vegas Sun saying, ?We need a dialogue between states to deal with issues like water conservation, water reuse technology, water delivery, and water production. States like Wisconsin are awash in water." Richardson's comments drew an angry response from Governor Jennifer Granholm. When WZZM 13 asked for her response Thursday, Granholm said, ?Hell No. That's my response. This is exactly why we need someone in the White House who understands Michigan's concerns. The minute someone starts talking about a national water policy, watch your lakes. That's all I can say."

The Great Lakes are already at the lowest levels in years. Lake Superior hit an all time low last month, which effects shippers, fishermen and boaters, among others.

Christy McGillivray of the Clean Water Action organization says the waters of the Great Lakes can't be replaced. McGillivray says, ?The Great Lakes were definitely a one time gift of the glaciers. And they only renew at a rate of one percent a year. So, it's not like they're going to come back if we ship them away." She says the Great Lakes Compact, which includes a package of bills currently in the Michigan legislature, would grant states control of their own waters. McGillivray says, ?It's not really what is happening right now. It's what could happen in the future. And it's a control issue."

Governor Granholm is certainly not willing to share the waters of the Great Lakes. Granholm says, ?I'm sure I would be joined by 10 million Michigan citizens who would stand in the way of anyone coming to put a pipe in or haul out our water. This is a great national resource. We're not going to be sending it to the Southwest.? Supporters hope the Great Lakes Water Compact passes the Michigan legislature this year.