LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) – The latest federal budget proposal could reduce federal funding for the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center on French Island to zero, according to a review from the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The center is crucial for monitoring and researching the health of the Upper Mississippi River.

The center's work supports wildlife management and water quality, both vital to La Crosse's growing number of fishing tournaments and outdoor events. These activities contribute a large boost to the local economy.

Marc Schultz, chairman of the Lake Onalaska Protection and Rehabilitation District, expressed concern about the potential impact.

“The river is the connection to the world—both commercially with navigation but also connection biologically—and a connecti

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