John Bel Edwards: “I rise today to express how pleased I am that we will be passing S. 835, the Estuary Habitat Restoration Partnership Act…”

“I rise today to express how pleased I am that we will be passing S. 835, the Estuary Habitat Restoration Partnership Act of 1999. This legislation, introduced by our former colleague Sen. John Chafee, will reauthorize the National Estuary Program at $25 million annually and will allow these funds to be used to help implement and develop estuary management plans. It will also set a goal of restoring 1 million acres of estuary habitat over the next decade. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this important legislation because it will help us restore and protect our nation's estuaries. Too many of our estuaries are endangered by various forms of pollution or from overuse and development. In North Carolina, we are still dealing with the effects of last year's devastating hurricane season; the full effect on places like the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds are still being evaluated. This legislation will enable estuaries like the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds to implement the restoration and management plans that were developed several years ago. This legislation will help make them healthier, more ecologically productive estuarine habitats. Estuaries are home to a remarkably diverse wildlife population, and they provide a ``safe haven'' for plant and animal species, many of which are endangered. They are essential habitats for many young fish species who need clean and healthy estuaries to spawn. They are also an important resting spot for many migratory bird species.”