[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 67 (Friday, April 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





             GREAT LAKES RESTORATION INITIATIVE ACT OF 2016

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                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 26, 2016

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 223, the Great 
Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2016.
  The Great Lakes provide clean drinking water for over 40 million 
Americans. The region supports an estimated 1.5 million jobs, and 
generates over $60 billion in annual wages. Protecting the Great Lakes 
supports public health, public lands and beaches, local economies, and 
job creation.
  In Minnesota, the restoration of Lake Superior and the St. Louis 
River is vital to our State and our tribal nations. In 1987, the St. 
Louis River Estuary was classified as an Area of Concern because of 
contamination from decades of dumping untreated sewage and industrial 
waste into the water. Since that designation, millions of dollars have 
been invested in cleanup, restoration, and infrastructure.
  We've started to see some measureable improvements along the St. 
Louis River that are lowering human health risks, re-establishing 
sturgeon spawning grounds and wild rice beds, and increasing property 
values. We have a clear path forward involving all stakeholders in the 
Roadmap to Delisting for the Area of Concern.
  Mr. Speaker, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) has been a 
huge driver of the progress that Minnesota has made in cleaning up the 
St. Louis River. Success stories like this are spread all across our 
region because of the federal investments made by the GLRI. These funds 
have driven public-private partnerships that support the health of our 
waters and the quality of life for all Americans.
  More than 100,000 acres of wetlands and 48,000 acres of coastal, 
upland, and island habitat have been protected, restored and enhanced 
in just the first five years of GLRI partnerships between the federal 
agencies, states and tribal nations.
  H.R. 223 would authorize $300 million a year for the crucial work of 
the GLRI, which will help remediate areas of environmental concern, 
control invasive species, restore habitat and wildlife, and support 
local businesses. Every federal dollar put into Great Lakes restoration 
generates $2 in economic benefit, making restoration an excellent 
return on investment for taxpayer dollars.
  The Great Lakes are a national treasure. The Great Lakes Restoration 
Initiative Act will build on the successes of recent years and ensure 
the lakes are protected for generations to come.

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