[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

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                         HON. RICHARD M. NOLAN

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 28, 2016

  Mr. NOLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the United States 
House of Representatives for the passing of H.R. 223, the Great Lakes 
Restoration Initiative Act of 2015, which authorizes the Great Lakes 
Restoration Initiative through Fiscal Year 2020 at $300 million per 
year. This initiative continues to perform vital work to combat the 
influx of invasive species, restore polluted habitats, and clean up 
areas where significant harm has been caused by human activity; also 
known as Areas of Concern. H.R. 223 is a commonsense, nonpartisan bill 
that creates jobs, restores communities, and boosts small businesses in 
the Great Lakes region.
   Beginning in 2010, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has been 
working hard to protect and preserve the largest freshwater system in 
the world. I would like to thank my dear friend Mr. David Joyce for 
leading this legislation to provide long-term stability for the 
protection and restoration of our beautiful Great Lakes, which are home 
to over 1.5 million jobs and more than thirty-five hundred plants and 
animals.
   This initiative has made a significant impact in the 8th District of 
Minnesota; specifically, the St. Louis River, which is one of the 
largest Areas of Concerns in the Great Lakes Basin. With the support of 
federal and state agencies involved, this Area of Concern is making 
incredible progress.
   Mr. Speaker, I thank the Congress for passing this vital piece of 
legislation to provide long-term stability to our Great Lakes region 
and I commend the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for all of the 
important work it does.

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