() Comments
Mayor speaks in D.C. about Great Lakes
By Brent Killackey
Journal Times
The Great Lakes need more protection from invasive species, Racine Mayor Gary Becker told a congressional subcommittee on Wednesday.
Becker, vice chair of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, traveled to Washington, D.C., this week to testify before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
He told the committee that over 180 species have already entered the Great Lakes and that new ones are identified every six to seven months. These invasive species cause extensive biological damage and cost billions of dollars across the country, including tens of millions in the Great Lakes region.
"The tragedy of this situation is that much of the invasive species problem could have been prevented. If action is not taken quickly, things will get worse," Becker said.
Comprehensive invasive species legislation on a national level is needed, including quick action to make sure a fully effective electronic barrier is in place to keep Asian carp out of Lake Michigan, he said.
He also called for increased funding to municipalities to help solve sewer overflow
problems.
Becker's two-day trip focused primarily on the Great Lakes - including speaking alongside senators and congressmen at a breakfast event Wednesday morning and participating in a press conference later that day - but he also took some time to meet with local lawmakers and talk with other government officials about development and brownfield grants, he said.
Becker was part of a group of lawmakers and environmental activists who pushed Congress to fund a massive cleanup of the Great Lakes for future
generations.
Members of Congress representing Great Lakes states outlined a $20 billion plan to improve water quality, restore fish and wildlife around the lakes and guard against invasive species that could inflict economic pain on the region.
"It's time for Congress to invest in restoring the Great Lakes so that Michigan's economy, environmental health and quality of life aren't diminished," said Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton.
The Great Lakes provide drinking water to about 40 million people and represent about 20 percent of the world's supply of fresh water. The waters are key to the region's tourist economy and industrial base.
A similar measure introduced last year failed to gain traction, but lawmakers said it was important to approve the framework before any significant shifts in Congress.
The House bill is backed by Reps. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., and Vernon Ehlers, R-Mich. The Senate version is led by Sens. Carl Levin, D-Mich., and George Voinovich, R-Ohio.
With population booms in the southwest, Ehlers noted that redistricting occurs every decade and "every 10 years the Great Lakes states lose representation in Congress."
The proposal would help implement a Great Lakes restoration plan issued in December 2005 and based on suggestions from a broad array of lawmakers, environmentalists and regional activists.
The legislation would approve programs to stop the spread of invasive species and prevent the influx of Asian carp, prevent sewage contamination in the lakes and clean up contaminated sediment.
President Bush's budget proposal includes $7.6 million to complete an electronic barrier to target the Asian carp, which emerged from Southern fish farms in the early 1990s and has been making its way up the Mississippi River.
Scientists contend that if the carp spread across the Great Lakes, it would battle native species for food and devastate the $4.5 billion commercial and sport fishing industry.
Congress approved a measure last year to reauthorize up to $16 million a year for grants to restore fish and wildlife habitats in the lakes. Lawmakers noted that Congress has supported large programs to restore the Florida Everglades in the past and must not shortchange the Great Lakes.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Special Offer: Get 5 Weeks of the Journal Times for $7!
|
 |
|
| Court briefs 3.8 | St. Sebastian School will stay open for another year -- at least |
