[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 2]
[House]
[Page 2529]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               PROTECTING AND PRESERVING THE GREAT LAKES

  (Mr. HIGGINS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, this afternoon I look forward to 
addressing the Great Lakes Environmental Summit.
  The history of Buffalo is deeply rooted in the Great Lakes, as easy 
access to Lake Erie fueled a thriving manufacturing industry. Our 
future is also bright thanks to growing public and private investment 
in the waterfront.
  Moreover, the Great Lakes support 1.5 million jobs and $62 billion in 
wages per year. A report by The Brookings Institution found that every 
$1 invested in restoration generates $2 in economic benefit and up to 
$4 in economic activity through jobs, development, and increased 
property values.
  But in order to realize these benefits, we must protect from outside 
threats, like nutrient runoff, invasive species, and harmful algae 
blooms.
  I commend the work of advocates like the Great Lakes Restoration 
Initiative, the Environmental Protection Agency, Buffalo Niagara 
Riverkeepers, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, and my colleagues 
on the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force for taking action on 
protecting and preserving this vital natural resource.

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