Tribute to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government

TRIBUTE TO THE LEXINGTON-FAYETTE URBAN COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government for taking extraordinary actions to protect and restore Kentucky rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands along with initiating innovative local pollution prevention programs. For their efforts, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christie Whitman recently presented the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government with the Clean Water Partner Award for the 21st Century at EPA headquarters in Washington, DC.

In keeping with President George W. Bush's celebration of the Year of Clean Water, the EPA's Office of Water has recognized the best contributions by local agencies to protect watersheds and uphold the requirements of the Clean Water Act. The success of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government should not go unnoticed.

Their accomplishment in developing the Reforest the Bluegrass program enables local citizen volunteers to make improvements to the environment. The program educates volunteers on the importance of riparian buffers in relation to storm water pollution, urban forests, and wildlife diversity.

Mr. President, the men and women of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government have earned our admiration and respect for their hard work and determination. I am proud the Commonwealth of Kentucky is served so well by such dedicated public servants. Their example should be followed by others in order to further improve our water quality and environment.·