Introduction Of The Great Lakes Fish And Wildlife Restoration Act

INTRODUCTION OF THE GREAT LAKES FISH AND WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 29, 2006)

SPEECH OF HON. MARCY KAPTUR OF OHIO
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2006

* Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise this week to praise passage of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act. With an estimated 40 million people relying on the Great Lakes basin for jobs, drinking water, and recreation, the health of this resource is paramount and should remain a priority for Congress. Our Great Lakes constitute the largest body of freshwater on the face of the earth.

* Mr. Speaker, I would like to tell you about a treasured spot in the Great Lakes--the north coast of Ohio. It is a true sapphire jewel, enjoyed by large communities of birders, sport and commercial fishermen, hunters and recreational boaters. And it is vital to life for every living creature in our region.

* While the value of this treasure should be obvious to all, it is undeniable that the resources it provides remain threatened. This is a region whose wildlife populations are under attack by invasive species like the Gobe, Asian Carp and Zebra Mussel and where encroaching sprawl constantly jeopardizes the region's priceless wetlands. Without addressing the social and human costs posed by these problems, we face an incalculable menace of inaction--a menace that this week, this body took a step to fight.

* Mr. Speaker, the reason that I wish to praise passage of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act is not because this bill solves all the longstanding problems that our Great Lakes face, but because it serves as one step in the journey toward restoring the integrity of our lakes. The bill authorizes the Fish and Wildlife Service for grants of up to $12 million per year and gives legal authority for the Fish and Wildlife Service to receive $2 million per year. These funds will be used to implement recommendations of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration that are consistent with water quality, fisheries, and wildlife agreements.

* Though the House has taken a tremendous step towards restoring the Great Lakes by passing this bill, we must not rest. Instead, we must continue on with the next steps, taking up the additional priorities of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration not addressed in this bill. Let us find the will to expand the Ottawa and Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuges. Let us preserve more wetlands for the migrating birds that pass through the Great Lakes. Let us stop the flow of invasive species in the ballast water of transport ships. Let us celebrate victory for the crown jewel of our refuge system by fully funding the grant programs that we have just authorized.

* Mr. Speaker, we are the only species with the capability of precipitating the wholesale extermination of other species; but, through compassion and conviction, we are also capable of protecting the things we treasure. We are unique in our ability to affect the fate of the planet, but also unique in our ability to predict those effects and to change our ways in light of what we foresee.

* So now, let us take this one moment to appreciate the importance of passage of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act. I would like to thank the many friends who made passage of this bill possible and ask them for the strength to continue the battle in restoring the Great Lakes to the pristine beauty that we can all foresee. great lakes fish and wildlife restoration act of 2006--bill summary

* Summary: This bill would reauthorize the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act, a program first enacted in 1990 and again in 1998. This bill ensures that both fish and wildlife is included throughout the bill and ensures that this Act is consistent with the goals of Great Lakes Regional Collaboration.

* Fish & Wildlife Grants: The bill reauthorizes the state and tribal grant program. Under this bill, grants will be used to restore fish and now wildlife in the Great Lakes. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service would award grants based on the recommendations of the Great Lakes states and tribes. Grants must be consistent with water quality, fisheries, and wildlife agreements as well as the recommendations of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration. The grants would be authorized to receive up to $12 million per year.

* Fish & Wildlife Regional Projects: The bill authorizes up to $6 million each year for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to undertake projects that have a regional benefit to fish and wildlife. Under this new authority, the Service would undertake projects based on the recommendations of states and tribes.

* Studies and Reports: The Fish & Wildlife Service will submit a report to Congress in 2011 that describe the fish and wildlife grants that have been awarded and the results of those grants.

* Under this bill, the Service will provide updated information through a public access website to the states and tribes on what grants have been awarded, priorities proposed for funding in the budget, and actions taken in support of Great Lakes Regional Collaboration.

* The bill calls upon the Service to complete the overdue 2002 Report on actions taken under this Act, which was called for under existing law, to be released by June of 2006.

* Fishery Resource Offices: Maintains Fish & Wildlife Services Offices, which were authorized in 1990, and the Offices have the same operational duties. The offices are authorized to receive $2 million per year.

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