Some Canadian mayors are sounding the alarm over proposed budget cuts in the U.S. that would harm programs designed to help protect the Great Lakes.

Proposals drafted by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump include slashing funding for the Environmental Protection Agency by 25 per cent.

The potential cuts would result in the $300-million budget for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative – gutted by 97 per cent.

The project has been combating invasive species, cleaning up pollution – and otherwise preserving the lakes since 2010 – would get just $10 million in funding in 2017.

Mayors in Canadian communities located along the Great Lakes say the funding cuts would be “devastating” and have long-lasting impacts – and lack of American action on lakes preservation projects – would almost certainly be felt in Canada.