On the recordOctober 13, 2011
The Great Lakes are one of America's most overlooked and underappreciated resources. They are the largest source of surface freshwater in the world, providing more than 30 million people with drinking water and supporting a multibillion dollar boating, shipping, fishing, and recreation economy. The Great Lakes fishery alone generates $7 billion in economic activity and directly supports 75,000 jobs. Yet the lakes are threatened by toxic algal blooms that are fueled by agriculture runoff, sewer overflows, and other pollution. Lake Erie, in particular, as the shallowest of the lakes, is exceptionally vulnerable to excess nutrients and phosphorus. According to a recent report by the National Wildlife Federation, this summer, Lake Erie saw the most severe algal blooms since the 1960s. Madam Speaker, the Brookings Institution reports that every dollar invested in Great Lakes restoration results in a $2 return in the form of increased fishing, tourism, and home values. This program is cost-effective, and I urge Congress to reject cuts to Great Lakes restoration. ____________________
