[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9716]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERSHIP

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                         HON. VERNON J. EHLERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 23, 2007

  Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Grand 
Rapids Community Sustainability Partnership's accomplishment in being 
named a Regional Center of Expertise on Education for Sustainable 
Development by the United Nations. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the members of the Partnership.
  The Grand Rapids Community Sustainability Partnership is an 
enterprise comprised of the City of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Public 
Schools, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, 
Aquinas College and 104 corporate or institutional members that strive 
to promote leadership in sustainable development in the West Michigan 
area. The recognition bestowed upon the Partnership by the United 
Nations has thrust Grand Rapids into the global spotlight as a 
community at the forefront of environmental stewardship. Grand Rapids 
is located at the Grand River watershed, Michigan's largest drainage 
basin, and the region is blessed with some of America's most beautiful 
and precious resources. The watershed drains directly into Lake 
Michigan, which provides drinking water for millions of people and 
serves as a source of fishing, recreation and transportation to the 
region's residents. The Great Lakes contain twenty percent of the 
world's fresh water supply, making them one of the world's most 
important natural resources.
  As Michigan's second largest city, Grand Rapids has dedicated itself 
to preserving the environment for future generations while promoting 
economic innovation and growth. The Partnership formed between public 
and private interests in Grand Rapids has worked together to educate 
the area's residents on sustainable development. It has played an 
important role in making sure that the region's economy and environment 
remain vibrant. The Regional Center of Expertise, among other things, 
will work to manage sustainable urban growth, conserve energy and 
water, improve the region's infrastructure, and educate the public on 
how best to conserve our treasured natural resources. To this degree, 
the Grand Rapids Community Sustainability Partnership will ensure that 
our children and grandchildren inherit a thriving community.
  Through the leadership of the Grand Rapids Community Sustainability 
Partnership, Michigan remains a principal player in the conservation 
and protection of not only our economy, but also our environment. I 
have dedicated a major part of my life and career as a scientist and 
representative in local, State and Federal Government toward advancing 
these same goals of sustainable development and environmental 
stewardship, so I am especially proud of my hometown on this 
achievement. I commend the Partnership's activities to my colleagues in 
the House.

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