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H E A D L I N E S
* State Brownfield Activities
* Great Lakes Protection and Restoration Strategy * Open Spaces Legislation * Great Lakes Basin Authorization STATE BROWNFIELD ACTIVITIES --------------------------- The Northeast-Midwest Institute is releasing an updated review of brownfield initiatives and program impacts in the 50 states. The Brownfield "State of the State" 2001 Report presents information on the number of brownfield sites in state programs, innovative financing, regulatory incentives, liability provisions, and institutional controls. Economic benefits resulting from redevelopment -- such as new businesses, new jobs, and tax revenues -- are also included. This report provides a common ground for analysis and comparison, while demonstrating the remarkable success many states have already achieved. To be released on Tuesday, November 20, the
updated report will
be available at http://www.nemw.org/brown_stateof.pdf. CONTACTS: Charles Bartsch and Rachel Deane at the Northeast-
Midwest Institute (544-5200). GREAT LAKES PROTECTION AND RESTORATION STRATEGY ----------------------------------------------- Great Lakes Task Force co-chairs -- Senators Carl Levin (D-MI) and Mike DeWine (R-OH) and Reps. Steven LaTourette (R-OH), James Oberstar (D-MN), Vernon Ehlers (R-MI), and John Dingell (D-MI) -- are circulating a letter that asks the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) to review existing Great Lakes programs, as well as analyze how best to meet the region's future needs. Although Congress has authorized several programs over the years to protect and restore the Great Lakes environment, there is concern that the piecemeal approach may result in gaps and duplications in the effort to minimize contamination and other environmental threats. A GAO review, the co- chairs argue, will provide important data for a regional protection and restoration strategy. CONTACT: Joy Mulinex at the Great
Lakes Task Force (224-1211).
OPEN SPACES LEGISLATION ----------------------- Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed (D-RI), co-chairs of the Northeast-Midwest Senate Coalition, recently introduced the Suburban and Community Forestry and Open Space Initiative Act (S. 1633). The bill would provide assistance to states and nonprofit organizations to preserve suburban open space and contain suburban sprawl. To cosponsor the legislation, contact Dan Demeritt
at 224-2972.
GREAT LAKES BASIN AUTHORIZATION ------------------------------- In response to requests from the Great Lakes Task Force, the Farm Bill marked up last week by the Senate Agriculture Committee includes authorization of a Great Lakes Basin Program. That federal/state partnership is designed to improve water quality by controlling the millions of tons of topsoil that erode into the Great Lakes and its tributaries every year. CONTACT: Joy Mulinex at the Great Lakes
Task Force (224-1211).
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