[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 139 (Thursday, September 29, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        AQUATIC WEED MANAGEMENT

 Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, a growing problem faces the water 
resources of our country. The inadvertent introduction of exotic plant 
species from Europe and Asia, such as Eurasian watermilfoil and 
hydrilla, is a nationwide ecological disaster in the making.
  These nuisance aquatic weeds are rapidly choking our freshwater 
bodies, crowding out native and endangered aquatic species, hindering 
shipping lanes, restricting recreational activities, causing waterfront 
property values to drop, and restricting water flow through irrigation 
canals, drainage ditches and hydroelectric intake screens and turbines.
  There are several methods of aquatic weed management, but very 
limited dollars are earmarked for solving this growing problem. State 
ecologists, fish and wildlife experts, and waterbody managers are 
convinced that safe, selective tools are available for controlling 
these nuisance weeds and restoring the ecological balance of our 
waters. States simply need funding to get the job done.
  Therefore, I hope when we consider the Interior and related agency 
appropriations for fiscal year 1996, we will take a serious look at 
providing funding for States to institute effective methods of aquatic 
weed management.

                          ____________________