WASHINGTON – Upon the unveiling of the final version of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy by the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force yesterday, Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) expressed his disappointment in the Administration’s neglect to address the funds necessary to implement the Great Lakes restoration plan.

“The more the Lakes are abused, the less able they are to repair themselves naturally. This was the analysis of 75 top scientists on the Great Lakes region given in a report last week to the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force,” Stupak said. “We have the scientific proof that restoration is necessary and with today’s unveiling, we have a strategy to get us there. But, what good is a plan without the funds to implement it? This plan not only fails to list immediate priorities, it fails to commit the necessary resources to get started.”

In early 2004, President Bush charged the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force with the job of developing a plan to restore the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy was the result, recommending nearly $20 billion in resources to address issues such as invasive species, agricultural and industrial pollution, sewage blending, toxic dumping and fishing standards. The plan outlines a strategy to solve many of the issues but neglects to address a means for the required funds.

“Last week, I and other Members of Great Lakes States met with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen Johnson to express our concern that funding would need to be a priority if this plan is to work properly,” Stupak said. “We simply cannot trust that this administration will live up to their word to implement this plan and restore our Great Lakes.”

Several weeks ago, a report by the President’s Great Lakes Interagency Task Force was leaked indicating that they had no intention of authorizing additional funds to pay for the plan despite the urging from bipartisan Members of Congress. Stupak wrote to the President expressing his disappointment in the administration’s lack of commitment to fully implement a true plan to protect the country’s most precious natural resource.

“Home to 20% of the world’s fresh water and 95% of the United States’ surface fresh water, the Great Lakes are a source of drinking water to nearly 33 million people,” Stupak said. “Additionally, the Lakes provide opportunities for fishing, recreation and tourism, which all serve as a part of the economic engine of the region. Michigan and the surrounding region cannot afford to allow the Great Lakes to degrade to the point that irreversible damage has occurred before this administration finally sees Great Lakes protection as a priority. I call on the President to show his commitment to the Great Lakes now by funding this restoration plan.”

###