[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 8 (Monday, January 12, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E28]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE FRIENDS OF THE CHICAGO RIVER FOR WINNING THE THIESS 
                       INTERNATIONAL RIVER PRIZE

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 12, 2026

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join the International River 
Foundation in honoring the Friends of the Chicago River, the 2025 
recipient of the Thiess International River Prize. The Thiess 
International River Prize, established in 1999, is the world's most 
esteemed award for river restoration and management, honoring 
trailblazing organizations that advance lasting ecological, social, and 
economic benefits worldwide. This award speaks to the tireless 
contributions of the Friends of the Chicago River to environmental 
stewardship, river restoration, climate resilience, and public service 
here in Cook County.
  Founded in 1979, Friends of the Chicago River is the only 
organization exclusively dedicated to the restoration and protection of 
the entire 156-mile Chicago-Calumet River system. Under the leadership 
of Executive Director Margaret Frisbie and a dedicated staff, the 
Friends of the Chicago River lead bold policy reforms, habitat 
restoration, and public engagement programs that have transformed the 
river from an overlooked industrial waterway into a thriving urban 
ecosystem. More than 60,000 people including 20,000 youth annually have 
joined efforts of the Friends of the Chicago River through education, 
outreach, and hands-on stewardship, while advancing policy initiatives 
that improve water quality, protect biodiversity, and strengthen 
climate resilience across the Chicago-Calumet watershed.
  The recognition of Friends of the Chicago River with the 2025 Thiess 
International River Prize underscores the emergence of our County as a 
global leader in urban river restoration and affirms the organization's 
pioneering role in shaping a future where rivers are valued as vital 
natural, social, and climate-sustaining wonders. Mr. Speaker, please 
join me and all of my colleagues in congratulating the Friends of the 
Chicago River on receiving the 2025 Thiess International River Prize 
and thanking them for their continued work for the Chicago River.

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