PROTECTING MICHIGAN LAND

In 2005, Senator Levin secured $40 million for the Detroit Riverfront Project. These funds will be used in part to acquire land for a major five-mile walkway and greenway along the Detroit River. The riverwalk is transforming a neglected industrial wasteland into a beautiful, outdoor recreational space for the people of Michigan as well as visitors to the great city of Detroit.

Senator Levin is a co-sponsor of legislation to amend the National Trails System Act to provide authority to acquire land from willing sellers to complete nine national scenic and historic trails, including the North Country National Scenic Trail. A quarter of the North Country Trail runs through Michigan, so much of this new construction will occur in our state. Without this bill, a landowner who wants to sell to the federal government is denied the right to do so. Senator Levin is hopeful that Congress will adopt this legislation so that these unique scenic and historic sites along the nine affected trails can be protected.

In the 2005 tax reconciliation bill, Senator Levin worked to protect the charitable value of donating land and conservation easements for farmland and open space preservation. These resources benefit all of us by preserving ecological resources, providing land for recreational activities, and preserving our national heritage.

Senator Levin introduced an amendment to the fiscal year 2006 budget that expresses the Sense of the Senate encouraging land use decisions that make efficient and equitable use of available housing, transportation and infrastructure investments. Well-planned development also minimizes the impacts of traffic congestion, air quality, ecologically significant areas, and public health.

Senator Levin is a cosponsor of the Public Land Protection and Conservation Act (S.1541), which would provide grants and rapid response assistance to help states and Indian reservations respond to invasive species on public land.

In 2001, Senator Levin introduced legislation with Congressman John Dingell, D-Michigan, which established the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge in Michigan. The legislation became law in December 2001. In 2003, Senator Levin and Congressman Dingell were successful in getting funding that will enable the refuge to purchase land necessary to save and preserve this priceless treasure for generations to come.