USA: Levin, Kirk Commend Great Lakes Week Participants

Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., and Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., co-chairs of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, yesterday commended the nearly 700 people who have gathered in Milwaukee, Wis., for Great Lakes Week.

Great Lakes Week participants will collaborate on strategies and focus efforts to restore and protect one of the world’s greatest treasures: the Great Lakes. Containing over a fifth of the world’s surface freshwater, these lakes define the region, providing drinking water to 40 million people, powering the economy and offering recreational opportunities to millions.

“The collaborative efforts of the diverse participants involved with Great Lakes Week have led to the largest federal investment in the cleanup of the Great Lakes in more than two decades: the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative,” Levin said. “Because of the work they have done over the years, we are seeing real results: toxic sediments are being cleaned up, habitat is being restored, fisheries are improving, and we are fighting destructive invasive species. I will continue to work on a bipartisan basis with other members of Congress to ensure that federal support for progress on Great Lakes restoration continues.”

“Lake Michigan is the crown jewel of the Midwest and a source of drinking water for millions,” said Kirk. “Today the Great Lakes face a number of growing threats ranging from the spread of invasive species to harmful pollution – it’s more important now than ever we ensure this water remains protected. Earlier this year, Senator Levin and I introduced the Great Lakes Ecological and Economic Protection Act in the Senate, and we will continue to work together with our colleagues to improve the quality of the Great Lakes for future generations.”

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Press Release, September 10, 2013