[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 125 (Tuesday, September 8, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S9136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. LEVIN:
  S. 1651. A bill to modify a land grant patent issued by the Secretary 
of the Interior; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, today I am introducing a companion bill to 
Representative Stupak's bill, which is also being introduced today, 
that would modify a patent issued to the Great Lakes Shipwreck 
Historical Society for the conveyance of a parcel of land at Whitefish 
Point, Michigan at the U.S. Coast Guard Whitefish Point Light Station. 
The land patent was originally issued ten years ago for the 
interpretation and preservation of maritime history. In accordance with 
the land patent, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society 
established and has operated a museum that brings to life the strength 
and fury of the Great Lakes and the bravery of the U.S. Life Saving 
Service who rescued thousands of people from Great Lakes shipwrecks.
  This legislation modifies the land patent such that development of 
new facilities and expansion of existing facilities or infrastructure 
would be implemented in accordance with the 2002 Human Use/Natural 
Resource Plan instead of the 1992 Whitefish Point Comprehensive Plan. 
The 2002 plan was developed pursuant to a court-ordered settlement 
agreement regarding the 1992 plan.
  The modification of the land patent is intended to further the 
purposes of the original patent, which is for preservation and 
interpretation of maritime history, while maintaining the conservation 
of natural habitat and wildlife areas, since Whitefish Point is an 
important birding area as well. This bill would ensure that the vibrant 
stories of the Great Lakes can be preserved and interpreted for future 
generations.
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