[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 4, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E982]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR OF THE GALVESTON BAY FOUNDATION

                                 ______


                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 4, 1996

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Galveston Bay 
Foundation and its work to preserve and enhance Galveston Bay. On June 
8, 1996, the Foundation will host its sixth annual ``Bay Day 
Festival,'' a day long entertainment, educational, and recreational 
event at historic Sylvan Beach County Park in La Porte, TX, to showcase 
Galveston Bay's many resources.
  Galveston Bay is one of southeast Texas' most valuable and most 
threatened natural resources. Since the 1950s, the Bay has lost more 
than 30,000 acres of coastal wetlands and 90 percent of its aquatic 
grass beds. More than half the Bay has been permanently closed for 
commercial oyster harvesting while the remainder is routinely closed 
after heavy rainfall. With the completion of Lake Livingston Dam, the 
Trinity River Delta has been reduced dramatically, elminating vital 
wetland habitat.
  The Galveston Bay Foundation has played a critical role in helping to 
reverse this degradation and bring the Bay back to health. The 
Foundation was formed in 1987 as a non-profit organization made up of 
commercial fishermen, developers, business people, environmental 
groups, government officials, recreational interests, and other 
citizens who sought to increase education and communication about the 
importance of Galveston Bay to the region.
  The Foundation's work to preserve the Bay has four fundamental 
principals--education, conservation, research, and advocacy. Through 
these efforts, the Foundation seeks to increase awareness of the 
multiple uses of Galveston Bay and to increase participation in 
projects to preserve the natural resources of the Bay.
  In 1987, through the leadership of U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen, the 
U.S. Congress designated Galveston Bay as a part of the National 
Estuary Program in an attempt to solve problems to the Bay caused by 
pollution, development, and overuse. The Galveston Bay Plan was 
developed by a consortium of scientists, corporate and governmental 
representatives, and local citizens. The Foundation has served as a 
partner in the effort to restore vital Bay habitats, contain 
contaminated runoff, and curtail sewage and industrial waste. The 
success of the clean-up is a testament to the Foundation and its 
ability to reach consensus on a solution to improve the quality of life 
on Galveston Bay.
  The Foundation has also been instrumental in developing 
environmentally sound approach to modernize the Houston Ship Channel, 
demonstrating that environmental protection and economic growth can go 
hand in hand. This innovative plan that will both expand the Houston 
Ship Channel and contribute significantly to the restoration of 
Galveston Bay.
  This project will use dredged material to restore Galveston Bay's 
wetlands, creating new wildlife habitats and enhancing recreational 
benefits. The creation of marshlands, a critical part of the Galveston 
Bay ecosystem, will provide habitats for thousands of species of plant 
and animal life, including several endangered species. The three 
islands to be created under the plan will also provide natural habitats 
for birds and other wildlife. New boating channels and anchorages will 
give fishermen and other recreational users increased access to the 
Bay. The Foundation's role in developing this plan has increased the 
benefits exponentially for Texas' families and wildlife that rely on 
Galveston Bay.
  I commend the Galveston Bay Foundation for its nine years of service 
to the committees surrounding Galveston Bay, and I wish the Foundation 
continued success in achieving its goals in preserving and enhancing 
one of Texas' and the nation's most treasured natural resources.

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