Bill Text: MI HR0049 | 2017-2018 | 99th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to maintain funding for federal programs that support the restoration, protection, and economic vitality of the Great Lakes.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2017-03-23 - Referred To Committee On Natural Resources [HR0049 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2017-HR0049-Introduced.html
Rep. Camilleri offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 49.
A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to maintain funding for federal programs that support the restoration, protection, and economic vitality of the Great Lakes.
Whereas, The Great Lakes are a critical resource for our nation, supporting the economy and a way of life in Michigan and the other seven states within the Great Lakes region. The Great Lakes hold 20 percent of the world's surface freshwater and 90 percent of the United States' surface freshwater. This globally significant freshwater resource provides drinking water for more than 30 million people and directly supports 1.5 million jobs, generating $62 billion in wages; and
Whereas, The President's FY 2018 federal budget proposes to eliminate federal programs that support tourism and other water-dependent businesses of the Great Lakes. The proposed budget would end funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Sea Grant Program; and
Whereas, The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has provided crucial funding to support long overdue work to protect and restore the Great Lakes. In partnership with the states, local governments, and other organizations, the federal government has invested more than $2 billion in over 2,900 projects over the last seven years. These projects have cleaned up toxic pollution, reduced runoff from cities and farms, combatted invasive species, and restored fish and wildlife habitat. They have made a significant difference and represent a sound investment in both the environment and the economies of the Great Lakes region; and
Whereas, The National Sea Grant Program has for over 50 years created a link between universities and our nation's coastal economies. The Sea Grant Program has supported practical research at top universities, and more importantly, helped apply this research to real-life problems through outreach and education. With programs in Michigan and 29 other states, the Sea Grant network has worked to grow the Great Lakes' and coastal economies. It has helped commercial and recreational fishers, boaters, coastal communities, and many others learn how to sustainably balance and maximize the use of our coastal resources; and
Whereas, Far more work needs to be done. Whether toxic algal blooms impacting a major city's water supply, invasive species threatening billion dollar fisheries, or contaminated sediments restricting recreational opportunities, limitations on and threats to the use of the Great Lakes remain. These problems are too large for any one entity to solve. The federal government needs to remain an active partner with the Great Lakes region; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to maintain funding for federal programs that support the restoration, protection, and economic vitality of the Great Lakes; 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.
