WASHINGTON (AP) The Obama administration says it will spend $78.5 million to halt the giant Asian carp, which officials fear  could spread and possibly endanger the Great Lakes region's $7 billion fishing industry.

Federal officials say they'll consider opening navigational locks on Chicago-area waterways less frequently to prevent the carp from overrunning the Great Lakes.

Top officials of the Obama administration were meeting Monday with governors from several Great Lakes states.

Michigan has asked the Supreme Court to order navigational locks closed to block the carp from reaching Lake Michigan, but has so far been denied.

Officials announced last month that genetic material from the carp had been discovered in Lake Michigan for the first time.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

Doyle disappointed locks won't close

MADISON, Wis. (AP) Gov. Jim Doyle says he's disappointed federal officials won't close Chicago-area locks and gates to stop Asian carp from spreading into the Great Lakes.

Michigan has sued to close the locks permanently. Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin all have joined Michigan in the dispute.

Doyle was in Washington on Monday to meet with other governors and federal environmental officials on the carp. After the meeting the Obama administration announced it would spend $78.5 million to fight the fish.

Part of that strategy could include closing the locks for a limited time each week or month. Federal officials are expected to make a recommendation in early March. Doyle says he's looking forward to seeing it.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)