[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 66 (Thursday, April 28, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E615]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





             GREAT LAKES RESTORATION INITIATIVE ACT OF 2016

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 26, 2016

  Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bipartisan measure 
to provide a five year authorization for the Great Lakes Restoration 
Initiative.
  The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative provides federal, state, 
tribal, and local officials with one more tool to protect the Great 
Lakes.
  Through it, we are helping in the fight to keep the Asian Carp out of 
the Great Lakes.
  Through it, tons of contaminated sediments have been removed and will 
no longer pose a threat to the public or the environment. Waterways 
that were once closed to boaters, fishermen, and the public are being 
revitalized and reborn.
  Through it, we are working to improve habitat for wildlife. This week 
in my district, the Army Corps and Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage 
District will announce the completion of an Ecosystem Restoration 
Project funded with GLRI funds. The project ripped out 2,900 feet of 
concrete channel in the Menominee River, restoring natural riverbed and 
opening up over 37 miles and 125 acres of upstream wetlands for 
spawning by various fish species.
  Through it, three formally designed areas of concerns--because they 
contain highly contaminated and toxic sediments--have been delisted in 
the region.
  Investing in protecting the Great Lakes make both economic and 
environmental sense. This basin is a drinking water source for tens of 
millions. When much of our nation and the world is fighting over water 
and trying to figure out how to address shortages or diminishing water 
resources, we would be foolish not to protect this national treasure.
  This investment also benefits the economy and job creation in the 
region and the nation. Look no further than Milwaukee where water 
related businesses, universities, and other stakeholders are working to 
take advantage of our region's proximity to the largest body of 
freshwater and a strong university research base, including the 
nation's only freshwater school of science to attract water related 
entrepreneurs and small businesses to the area.
  The Milwaukee Water Council, a nonprofit organization with over 180 
members, which links water technology companies, water entrepreneurs, 
academic researchers and water professionals is hard at work turning 
our region's advantages, including our city's location on Lake 
Michigan, into creating jobs and economic development that will benefit 
the city and region. We need to protect the Great Lakes.
  I want to thank the leadership of the Committee for making this bill 
a priority. Chairman Shuster, Ranking Member DeFazio, your leadership 
is much appreciated. I also want to applaud my colleagues from the 
region, including Congresswoman Kaptur, on both sides of the aisle who 
keenly understand why we need to support this legislation.
  I support this bill and urge my colleagues to vote for it.

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