[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 124 (Thursday, September 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1892]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         GREAT LAKES FISH AND WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT OF 2006

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                               speech of

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 2006

  Mr. WALSH. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2430, the Great 
Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2006. This is a strong, bi-
partisan bill that deserves the support of all members.
  As many of you know, my district is home to the Lake Ontario 
shoreline. From its recreational use to its natural beauty, Lake 
Ontario directly affects a majority of my constituents.
  Areas on Lake Ontario like the Sodus Bay Chimney Bluffs and 
Irondequoit Bay, to the various trout streams and wetland marshes, all 
shape the landscape of this unique area. But this diverse landscape and 
its ecosystem are in need of attention. All the Great Lakes are in need 
of repair. This legislation allows us to begin the much needed 
restoration of the Great Lakes.
  Unfortunately, I must admit that nearly half of the original wetlands 
of the Great Lakes have been lost due to adverse threats like non-point 
source pollution and invasive species. These lost wetlands were the 
home to the sensitive ecosystem that is the building block of the 
larger Great Lakes basin. The basin is home to \1/5\ of the earth's 
fresh water and it commands our attention. This legislation helps get 
us there.
  Lastly, this legislation is the first step in implementing the Great 
Lakes Regional Collaboration strategy that President Bush commissioned 
in 2004. Since that time, the findings and recommendations have been 
used to develop an all encompassing piece of legislation, H.R. 5100, 
the Great Lakes Collaboration Implementation Act. This bill includes a 
coordinated effort to clean up sewage treatment plants as well as the 
polluted waters and toxic waste water left over from the industrial 
boom of past generations. H.R. 5100 includes funding for permanent 
barriers to protect Lake Michigan and the basin from the invasive Asian 
Carp species.
  Similar to our Nation's successful efforts in the Everglades and the 
Chesapeake Bay, we must do the same for the Great Lakes. Congress must 
implement H.R. 5100, and the passage of S. 2430 is a critical first 
step.
  Streams, rivers, marshes and wetlands all over the basin are polluted 
and in dire need of attention. We know that restoration, protection and 
conservation can restore the Great Lakes much like the Everglades and 
Chesapeake Bay. The fish and wildlife that call these areas home must 
be restored to protect the magnificence of the lakes for generations to 
come.

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