MADISON, Wis. -- Gov. Jim Doyle has eliminated funding for a University of Wisconsin System consultant hired to promote water research and education at state universities.

Doyle's decision comes after Milwaukee lawmakers complained the position would undermine UW-Milwaukee's role as a leader in water research by spreading out resources statewide. UW System President Kevin Reilly denied that claim.

The decision means the consultant, Jeff Smoller, will go back to the state Department of Natural Resources, where he had been on leave. DNR and UW System had each been paying half his salary.

Doyle said the university shouldn't be the economic development center for water. He said a more proper place for it would be within a state office like the Department of Commerce working with others in the Milwaukee area.