GLIN==> Elected, Civic Leaders Announce Great Lakes "Restoration" Initiative

["List Manager" <adminpst@great-lakes.net>]

Submitted by Susan Campbell [scampbell@lakemichigan.org]
Apologies for cross postings
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Elected, Civic Leaders Announce Great Lakes "Restoration" Initiative
Congressional and civic leaders today announced a new push for a massive 
Great Lakes restoration package in the U.S. Congress, starting with the 
introduction of two bills. The legislative announcement comes on the same 
day that the oldest citizens' Great Lakes organization in North America is 
changing its name to help advance the legislation.

The need for comprehensive Great Lakes rehabilitation is as strong as the 
lineup of legislators supporting restoration.

The Great Lakes Environmental Restoration Act of 2005 (S. 508) has been 
introduced by U.S. Sens. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio), Carl Levin (D-Mich.), and 
Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich). Companion legislation has been introduced in the 
House (H.R. 792), by U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) of Chicago. The two 
bills would provide billions of dollars in block grants to states. 
Legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Vern Ehlers (R-Mich.) would provide 
funding for key programs. All would reduce sewage overflows and protect 
beaches, protect the health of fisheries that are a staple of the Midwest's 
outdoor heritage, recover coastal wetlands and other forms of habitat, and 
include other restoration work.

In a related effort, the 35-year-old Lake Michigan Federation today 
announced it is changing its name to the Alliance for the Great Lakes to 
help advance the Great Lakes restoration effort.

"At a time when the Great Lakes need so much care, we want to step up and 
help lead the effort," said Dale S. Bryson, president of the board of 
directors of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, formerly the Lake Michigan 
Federation. "If water is the lifeblood of our region, then the Great Lakes 
are the heart. We want to make sure we're doing our best to protect the 
whole heart, not just one of the chambers."

Elected officials close to the restoration effort applauded the move. "I 
congratulate the Lake Michigan Federation on their evolution into the 
Alliance for the Great Lakes and look forward to working with the expanded 
group on Great Lakes restoration legislation," said Emanuel. "While their 
name may have changed their commitment for the long term solvency of the 
great lakes has never wavered."

Formed in 1970, the Alliance for the Great Lakes (formerly the Lake Michigan 
Federation) is the oldest independent citizens' Great Lakes organization in 
North America. Its mission is to conserve and restore the world's largest 
freshwater resource using policy, education and local efforts, ensuring a 
healthy Great Lakes and clean water for generations of people and wildlife. 
More about the Alliance for the Great Lakes is online at www.greatlakes.org.


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