[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 1, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E469-E470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               LAKE GEORGE, IN, WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN

                                 ______


                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 1, 1995
  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing legislation to 
authorize the development of a comprehensive watershed management plan 
for northwest Indiana's Deep River Basin, which includes Deep River, 
Lake George, Turkey Creek, and other related tributaries. The 
communities of Hobart, Lake Station, and Merriville, IN, would greatly 
benefit from the implementation of this plan.
  The sediment cleanup of Lake George was first authorized in the Water 
Resources Development Act of 1986, Public Law 99-662, and the project 
has received Federal funding since 1990. The project includes flood 
control, environmental enhancement, and recreational development for an 
area that comprises the 282-acre Lake George, Turkey Creek, and Deep 
River in the vicinities of Hobart and Lake Station, IN.
  However, the successful completion of the Lake George project is 
dependent upon a detailed, comprehensive investigation of the 
watershed, beyond the scope of the existing Lake George study 
authority. The legislation I am introducing today would facilitate the 
evaluation of how to sufficiently control the current and long-term 
sediment quality and quantity, address chronic flooding problems and 
the safety of Lake George Dam, and ensure the proper management of 
endangered wetlands.
  In addition, a comprehensive watershed management plan is essential 
to determine the placement of sediment traps for the authorized Lake 
George project. Taxpayer dollars would be saved by instituting 
effective land use management techniques and trapping sediments before 
they reach Lake George. It is possible that sediment flow could be 
relieved in the unauthorized tributaries. In sum, future costs could be 
drastically reduced by developing and implementing a comprehensive 
management plan, which would result in less costly sediment traps and 
much 
[[Page E470]] needed flood relief for the communities of Hobart and 
Lake Station, IN. Additionally, the development of a comprehensive plan 
could alleviate the need for a costly redredging of Lake George in the 
future.
  It is my hope that this bill will enhance our ongoing efforts to 
develop and implement sound, reasonable, and long-term solutions to the 
watershed management problems faced by the Lake George area, as well as 
the rest of northwest Indiana. I would hope to have your support, and 
the support of my other colleagues in the House of Representatives, in 
advancing this important legislation.


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