[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 125 (Friday, September 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1935]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCTION OF THE GREAT LAKES FISH AND WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT

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                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 29, 2006

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise this week to praise passage of the 
Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act. With an estimated 40 
million people relying on the Great Lakes basin for jobs, drinking 
water, and recreation, the health of this resource is paramount and 
should remain a priority for Congress. Our Great Lakes constitute the 
largest body of freshwater on the face of the earth.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to tell you about a treasured spot in the 
Great Lakes--the north coast of Ohio. It is a true sapphire jewel, 
enjoyed by large communities of birders, sport and commercial 
fishermen, hunters and recreational boaters. And it is vital to life 
for every living creature in our region.
  While the value of this treasure should be obvious to all, it is 
undeniable that the resources it provides remain threatened. This is a 
region whose wildlife populations are under attack by invasive species 
like the Gobe, Asian Carp and Zebra Mussel and where encroaching sprawl 
constantly jeopardizes the region's priceless wetlands. Without 
addressing the social and human costs posed by these problems, we face 
an incalculable menace of inaction--a menace that this week, this body 
took a step to fight.
  Mr. Speaker, the reason that I wish to praise passage of the Great 
Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act is not because this bill solves 
all the longstanding problems that our Great Lakes face, but because it 
serves as one step in the journey toward restoring the integrity of our 
lakes. The bill authorizes the Fish and Wildlife Service for grants of 
up to $12 million per year and gives legal authority for the Fish and 
Wildlife Service to receive $2 million per year. These funds will be 
used to implement recommendations of the Great Lakes Regional 
Collaboration that are consistent with water quality, fisheries, and 
wildlife agreements.
  Though the House has taken a tremendous step towards restoring the 
Great Lakes by passing this bill, we must not rest. Instead, we must 
continue on with the next steps, taking up the additional priorities of 
the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration not addressed in this bill. Let 
us find the will to expand the Ottawa and Cedar Point National Wildlife 
Refuges. Let us preserve more wetlands for the migrating birds that 
pass through the Great Lakes. Let us stop the flow of invasive species 
in the ballast water of transport ships. Let us celebrate victory for 
the crown jewel of our refuge system by fully funding the grant 
programs that we have just authorized.
  Mr. Speaker, we are the only species with the capability of 
precipitating the wholesale extermination of other species; but, 
through compassion and conviction, we are also capable of protecting 
the things we treasure. We are unique in our ability to affect the fate 
of the planet, but also unique in our ability to predict those effects 
and to change our ways in light of what we foresee.
  So now, let us take this one moment to appreciate the importance of 
passage of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act. I would 
like to thank the many friends who made passage of this bill possible 
and ask them for the strength to continue the battle in restoring the 
Great Lakes to the pristine beauty that we can all foresee.


  great lakes fish and wildlife restoration act of 2006--bill summary

  Summary: This bill would reauthorize the Great Lakes Fish and 
Wildlife Restoration Act, a program first enacted in 1990 and again in 
1998. This bill ensures that both fish and wildlife is included 
throughout the bill and ensures that this Act is consistent with the 
goals of Great Lakes Regional Collaboration.
  Fish & Wildlife Grants: The bill reauthorizes the state and tribal 
grant program. Under this bill, grants will be used to restore fish and 
now wildlife in the Great Lakes. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service would 
award grants based on the recommendations of the Great Lakes states and 
tribes. Grants must be consistent with water quality, fisheries, and 
wildlife agreements as well as the recommendations of the Great Lakes 
Regional Collaboration. The grants would be authorized to receive up to 
$12 million per year.
  Fish & Wildlife Regional Projects: The bill authorizes up to $6 
million each year for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to undertake 
projects that have a regional benefit to fish and wildlife. Under this 
new authority, the Service would undertake projects based on the 
recommendations of states and tribes.
  Studies and Reports: The Fish & Wildlife Service will submit a report 
to Congress in 2011 that describe the fish and wildlife grants that 
have been awarded and the results of those grants.
  Under this bill, the Service will provide updated information through 
a public access website to the states and tribes on what grants have 
been awarded, priorities proposed for funding in the budget, and 
actions taken in support of Great Lakes Regional Collaboration.
  The bill calls upon the Service to complete the overdue 2002 Report 
on actions taken under this Act, which was called for under existing 
law, to be released by June of 2006.
  Fishery Resource Offices: Maintains Fish & Wildlife Services Offices, 
which were authorized in 1990, and the Offices have the same 
operational duties. The offices are authorized to receive $2 million 
per year.

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