[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 129 (Friday, October 4, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9984-S9985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS--OCTOBER 3, 2002

      By Mrs. CLINTON (for herself and Mr. Schumer):
  S. 3045. A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to 
provide for the protection and enhancement of the environmental 
integrity and the social and economic benefits of the Finger Lakes 
Region in the State of New York; to the Committee on Environment and 
Public Works.
  Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, today, it is an honor to introduce the 
Finger Lakes Initiative Act of 2002. The Finger Lakes are the heart of 
New York. They stretch across most of the State and nurture an endless 
supply of natural and economic resources. They attract visitors from 
across the country, and they deserve our support to maintain and 
strengthen the quality of life in the entire region.
  The Finger Lakes Region of New York State is a land of rolling hills, 
beautiful lakes, pastoral firms, and incomparable fish and wildlife 
resources. A critical environmental resource, the Lakes are also vital 
to the region's economy, generating a tremendous amount of tourism and 
commerce. Fishing, boating, hunting, wineries, farmers markets and the 
arts attract visitors from around the nation to the Finger Lakes 
region. The Finger Lakes region also includes some of the Northeast's 
most productive agricultural lands.
  While Central New York is truly blessed with the environmental, 
economic, and cultural benefits that the Finger Lakes provide, the 
health of the Finger Lakes can no longer be taken for granted. Recent 
reports have confirmed what many residents in New York already know, 
the Finger Lakes are under environmental stress. In many of the lakes, 
water quality has suffered. Fluctuating water levels and flooding north 
of the lakes has also increased. In addition, a significant amount of 
fish and wildlife habitat is being lost and threats are being posed by 
the introduction of invasive species.
  Local, State, and Federal officials have recognized the seriousness 
of these threats, and have worked to address these concerns. Local 
stakeholders have joined forces and are working to protect the lakes, 
developing management plans, implementing best management practices, 
and doing what they can to protect the resource that is truly their 
backyard. Yet there is still no comprehensive, regional action plan to 
address collective environmental protection and economic development 
goals for the region.
  In recent years, Congress has recognized that our Nation's 
environmental resources are best protected on an ecosystem or watershed 
basis, with the federal government providing funds and expertise to 
assist with protection efforts that are shaped by State and local 
interests. This approach has been taken with great success in 
Chesapeake Bay, the Great Lakes, the Long Island Sound, and the 
California Bay Delta, just to name a few.
  Just as the Federal Government has supported these national 
treasures, it is time for the Finger Lakes to be recognized as a region 
to be protected and enhanced for the economic and environmental benefit 
of all who live, work, farm, play, and visit the Finger Lakes.
  Under the Finger Lakes Initiative Act of 2002, which I am introducing 
today with Senator Schumer, a new program will be established within 
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to protect and enhance the 
environmental integrity and cultural and economic benefits of the 
Finger Lakes. The Initiative will assist Finger Lakes stakeholders in 
achieving their goals for the region through technical, scientific, and 
financial assistance and coordination of relevant Federal programs.
  To best serve the interests of the region and build upon the 
knowledge, expertise, and ongoing efforts of local stakeholders, the 
legislation establishes an official stakeholder group to aid in 
developing and implementing

[[Page S9985]]

the Initiative. The stakeholder group will be comprised of 
representatives from local businesses, regional planning agencies, 
academic institutions, homeowners associations, environmental 
organizations, agricultural interests, economic development interests, 
the tourism industry, and tribes, as well as representatives of 
Federal, State, and local governments.
  This stakeholder group will have three years to develop a 
comprehensive plan to provide for the protection and enhancement of the 
environmental integrity and the social and economic benefits of the 
Finger Lakes. The plan will be made available for public review and 
comment, including a number of public meetings throughout the Finger 
Lakes region. Once approved by the EPA Administrator, with the 
concurrence of the Governor, the plan will become the blueprint for 
federally supported activities in the region.
  Furthermore, there will be an interdisciplinary research and 
education program established as part of the Finger Lakes Initiative, 
including $5 million in federal support authorized for a Finger Lakes 
Institute, such as the Institute that was recently announced at the 
Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY.
  Overall, the bill authorizes $50 million in federal support over five 
years for efforts to protect and enhance the environmental, economic 
and cultural benefits of the Finger Lakes. And to ensure proper 
involvement and coordination among all federal agencies in addressing 
the needs and challenges in the Finger Lakes, appropriate financial, 
technical, and scientific assistance will be provided for the Finger 
Lakes Initiative by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. 
Geological Survey, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National 
Park Service, the U.S. Department of Agricultural, the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration, the Economic Development 
Administration, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
  For decades, the Finger Lakes region has held its own in the world. 
The lakes, the farms, the towns, the wildlife, and the recreational 
opportunities have all pulled people toward this part of the State. I, 
myself, was drawn there in August and spent time in Auburn, Seneca 
Falls, Hammondsport, and Geneva. Seeing the potential of this region, I 
can just imagine the possibilities when we finally reach out to the 
Finger Lakes Region--when we finally provide this region with the 
resources and the attention and the planning it deserves. The 
possibilities are endless.
  There is room in our Nation for another natural wonder, the Finger 
Lakes Region of New York State.

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