Political Quotes

“Today I join with Senator Levin to introduce an amendment which will help close the door on the canceled Center for Ecology Research and Training [CERT], and end a difficult chapter for the city of Bay City, MI. In the late 1980's, the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] was working to develop a new laboratory to study land and marine ecosystems. After much consideration, Bay City, MI, was ultimately chosen as the location for this facility, and Congress appropriated over $100 million for the center's construction. EPA, however, moved slowly on the CERT construction. After 5 years, only a small portion of the appropriated funds had been spent. Thus, CERT was still a long way from realization and became an easy target when the fiscal year 1996 rescission was considered. After considerable congressional debate, the project was canceled and almost all the remaining funds were rescinded. Today, approximately $5.2 million of the already appropriated funds remain.”