[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 42 (Tuesday, April 16, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E539-E540]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN PROTECTION ACT OF 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. JIM NUSSLE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 9, 2002

  Mr. NUSSLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Upper 
Mississippi River Basin Protection Act. This legislation takes a common 
sense approach to reduce nutrient and sediment loss in the Upper 
Mississippi watershed by coordinating existing public and private water 
monitoring initiatives. I believe that such a partnership promotes the 
river's health and is beneficial the communities and people of eastern 
Iowa.
  Most of the farm families I represent live and make their living 
either along the Mississippi, or its many tributaries. Soil erosion is 
a problem for farmers by reducing long-term sustainability and income 
potential of their acres. It is my understanding that farmers in the 
Upper Mississippi River Basin lose more than $300 million annually in 
applied nitrogen to soil erosion. In addition, sediment fills the main 
shipping channel of the Mississippi that family farmers depend on to 
get their commodities to markets.
  Farmers live close to the land, and are committed to being good 
stewards. This legislation helps farmers and local conservation groups 
assess where problems are occurring in their watershed, and how to 
efficiently and effectively solve the problem.
  I believe this legislation is beneficial in mending our environment 
along the river, and better protecting it in the future. Sediment is a 
threat to the Mississippi's fish, birds, and other wildlife by filling 
wetlands. Sediment reduces wetlands'ability to be an adequate water 
filter and provide habitat to the creatures that live all along the 
Mississippi River. It is estimated that the Upper Mississippi 
contributes 31 percent of the nitrogen that impairs the water quality 
of the Lower Mississippi basin.
  Part of the Upper Mississippi Wildlife Refuge is in my district. I 
believe this refuge is an important treasure for Iowa. What makes this 
area special is, of course, the unique wildlife that lives there. This 
legislation helps promote wildlife by monitoring and computer modeling 
data to ensure scientifically sound and cost-effective decisions in 
promoting water quality.
  Additionally, a healthy Mississippi River is very important to the 
communities of eastern Iowa. The Mississippi is recognized throughout 
the United States and abroad as ``America's River''. The Quad Cities 
area is a popular destination of international travelers who want to 
see and touch the water. For the residents of the Quad Cities area, the 
riverfront is the center of social life, with a historic district, 
baseball diamond, and several annually held festivals.
  The city of Dubuque boasts over one million visitors thanks to the 
Mississippi. This community has chosen to make its story of the river 
the cornerstone of its urban renewal with a million dollar investment 
in the revitalization of the riverfront. The America's River project 
and historic Port of Dubuque represent the community's dedication to 
growing its tourism industry.

[[Page E540]]

  Mr. Speaker, the Upper Mississippi's health and water quality 
essential to growing the economies of the larger river cities of 
Bettendorf, Davenport, Clinton, and Dubuque, and the picturesque river 
towns of Guttenberg, LeClair, Bellevue, and Marquette. All of these 
communities, along with farmers and conservationists, have invested 
much time and effort in promoting a clean river. I believe this 
legislation helps to insure these investments by coordinating the many 
interests of those living in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. 
Accordingly, I am a proud sponsor of this bill, and I urge my 
colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation.

                          ____________________