[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 21270]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                         PETITONS AND MEMORIALS

  The following petitions and memorials were laid before the Senate and 
were referred or ordered to lie on the table as indicated:

       POM-627. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the State of 
     Michigan relative to a proposed mitigation policy for 
     portions of the Lake Michigan shoreline; to the Committee on 
     Environment and Public Works.

                       Senate Resolution No. 209

       Whereas, The United States Army Corps of Engineers, through 
     its Detroit district office, has issued a proposed erosion 
     mitigation policy for shore protection projects along the 
     eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan's Lower Peninsula. This 
     proposed policy is designed to minimize damage to the 
     delicate ecology of the shore by structures constructed to 
     save property threatened by erosion. The corps is seeking 
     public comment until September 29, 2000; and
       Whereas, The policy proposed provides for a series of 
     requirements and reviews to safeguard the shoreline from 
     damage that may occur at locations that can be some distance 
     from any retaining wall or other project. A variety of permit 
     options are presented; and
       Whereas, There are many aspects of the proposed policy that 
     have generated concern. One of the key problem areas is the 
     possibility that the Corps of Engineers may be impinging upon 
     the rights of private property owners to take reasonable 
     steps to protect their property. Requirements for private 
     property owners who follow regulations in constructing 
     protective seawalls to bear all of the costs of beach 
     nourishment can be a major obstacle for a property owner 
     protecting his or her property; and
       Whereas, In any discussion of the erosion mitigation 
     policy, it is essential to determine the authority for the 
     establishment of policies and for the enforcement of them. 
     The line between congressional responsibility and the Army's 
     responsibility must be understood for both clarity and 
     consistency. This will also contribute to public support for 
     shore protection practices; now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the United States Army 
     Corps of Engineers to hold public hearings on its proposed 
     erosion mitigation policy for portions of the Lake Michigan 
     shoreline (file number 00-900-001-0); and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the Detroit District of the United States Army Corps of 
     Engineers, the President of the United States Senate, the 
     Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and 
     the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.

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