The Obama administration has developed a five-year blueprint for rescuing the Great Lakes, a sprawling ecosystem plagued by toxic contamination and invasive species.

The plan envisions spending more than $2.2 billion (U.S.) for long-awaited repairs after a century of damage to the lakes, which hold 20 percent of the world's fresh water.

"We're committed to creating a new standard of care that will leave the Great Lakes better for the next generation," Lisa Jackson, head of the Environmental Protection Agency said in a statement.