Great Lakes Commission Legislative Priorities for FY 2010

Presented to the 111th Congress, first session: February 2009

Great Lakes Commission Legislative Priorities for FY2010

Investing in the Great Lakes -
A Cornerstone of Our Regional
Economic Infrastructure
In these tough economic times, we need to maximize the value of our region’s infrastructure: our people, our schools, our utilities, and our natural resources. No asset is more vital for our region than the Great Lakes. Together with our provincial partners, the Great Lakes states recently implemented – and Congress ratified – a historic regional Compact to ensure that the quantity and quality of our waters are managed for the well-being of future generations. We recognize the Great Lakes as a vital economic asset for our eight-state region. They provide transportation for raw materials and finished goods; fresh water for our industries; drinking water for our communities; recreation for our citizens; and a vibrant ecosystem for diverse communities of plants and animals.

Now, more than ever, we need our federal partners to match the commitment that states, provinces and cities are making to the future of the Great Lakes. By working together, we have an unprecedented opportunity to create jobs, stimulate economic development and invest in our nation’s freshwater resources that will be central to the future of the eight-state Great Lakes region.

Great Promise for the Great Lakes Five near-term priorities have been identified by an alliance that includes the Great Lakes Commission, the mayors of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, the Healing Our Waters® - Great Lakes Coalition, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, the Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority, and the Council of Great Lakes Industries. These priorities are consistent with those of the governors of the Great Lakes states.

Fact sheets

• Cleaning Up Toxic Sediments
• Closing the Door on Aquatic Invasive Species
• Controlling Nonpoint Source Pollution
• Enhancing the Great Lakes Observing System
• Improving Navigation Infrastructure
• Investing in Great Lakes Restoration and Economic Revitalization
• Protecting Coastal Health
• Protecting Water Quality and Human Health
• Reducing Atmospheric Toxic Pollution
• Restoring Wetlands and Habitat