Bill Text: MI HR0204 | 2013-2014 | 97th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to urge the Congress of the United States to maintain funding levels for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2013-09-03 - Referred To Committee On Natural Resources [HR0204 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2013-HR0204-Introduced.html
Rep. Brown offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 204.
A resolution to urge the Congress of the United States to maintain funding levels for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Whereas, The Great Lakes are one of the most important water systems in the world and the economic backbone for an entire region. These inland seas hold nearly 20 percent of the world's and 90 percent of the United States' surface freshwater. They supply drinking water to more than 30 million people in two countries: eight states and two Canadian provinces. They support billion dollar boating, fishing, and tourism industries that all rely on clean water and healthy habitats; and
Whereas, For the last four years, the federal government has invested through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) more than $1.3 billion to revitalize the Great Lakes. This funding has supported long overdue efforts to clean up toxic "hot spots," reduce polluted runoff, restore wetlands and other habitats, and combat invasive species. While a significant investment, it represents only a small portion of the estimated $26 billion needed to restore and protect the Great Lakes; and
Whereas, The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is not only an investment in the future ecological health of the Great Lakes, but also an investment in the economic health of the region. It has been estimated that the full $26 billion investment in the Great Lakes would generate $50 billion in long-term economic benefits and $30 to $50 billion in short-term economic activity in the region; and
Whereas, Despite the needs and economic benefits, Congress has proposed to slash by up to 80 percent the funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. This short-sighted reduction would stymie ongoing efforts to improve the health of the Great Lakes and to promote economic growth and development. The Michigan House of Representatives stands united with the Great Lakes Legislative Caucus, a bipartisan group of state legislators from the eight Great Lakes states, in opposing these cuts; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Congress of the United States to maintain funding levels for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
