    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [July 28, 2008]
    [Page 1059]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources
    Compact
    July 28, 2008

        I congratulate the Governors and legislatures of the eight States
    that border the Great Lakes on their conclusion of the Great Lakes-St.
    Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact. Made in the spirit of
    cooperative conservation, this compact is the result of many years of
    close coordination and consensus building that resulted in the compact's
    approval by the eight Great Lakes States and two Canadian Provinces.
        The Great Lakes are a national treasure. They were vital to the
    exploration of this continent and have long supported commerce. Today,
    more than 33 million people live in the States and Provinces bordering
    the lakes, and the lakes provide an efficient means to transport food
    and other commodities destined for global markets. The Great Lakes
    provide a wide variety of recreational opportunities and serve as a
    source of drinking water for more than 30 million people.
        The compact will ensure sustainable use and responsible management
    of waters from the Great Lakes Basin and preserve the Great Lakes for
    the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.
        I strongly urge Congress to provide rapid approval of the Great
    Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact.