Bill Clinton: “today, it is an honor to introduce the Finger Lakes Initiative Act of 2002. The Finger Lakes are the heart of New York.…”

“today, it is an honor to introduce the Finger Lakes Initiative Act of 2002. The Finger Lakes are the heart of New York. They stretch across most of the State and nurture an endless supply of natural and economic resources. They attract visitors from across the country, and they deserve our support to maintain and strengthen the quality of life in the entire region. The Finger Lakes Region of New York State is a land of rolling hills, beautiful lakes, pastoral firms, and incomparable fish and wildlife resources. A critical environmental resource, the Lakes are also vital to the region's economy, generating a tremendous amount of tourism and commerce. Fishing, boating, hunting, wineries, farmers markets and the arts attract visitors from around the nation to the Finger Lakes region. The Finger Lakes region also includes some of the Northeast's most productive agricultural lands. While Central New York is truly blessed with the environmental, economic, and cultural benefits that the Finger Lakes provide, the health of the Finger Lakes can no longer be taken for granted. Recent reports have confirmed what many residents in New York already know, the Finger Lakes are under environmental stress.”