| CHICAGO,
IL -- I am pleased to be here today with Lt. Governor Wood, and
others who are committed to improving water quality and the environment
in Illinois and to express my strong support for the Illinois Rivers 2020.
The
Illinois River and its tributaries are integral components in the lives
of Illinois residents. The Illinois River serves as a link between
the Atlantic Ocean, the Mississippi River and the Port of New Orleans.
The status of the river has significant effects on water supply, recreation,
tourism, and commerce in Illinois. In the Chicago area alone, the
river and its tributaries are responsible for 34, 000 jobs and over $400
million in payroll taxes annually.
This
program makes a strong, comprehensive commitment to restoration efforts
in the Illinois River Basin. The program will help to develop new
and innovative approaches to water quality improvement, economic development
and transportation, and land and habitat conservation.
Recently,
I joined with the entire U.S. House Delegation from Illinois in writing
to the Energy and Water and Agriculture Subcommittees of the House Appropriations
Committee to request funding for this important program.
The
district I represent, the 9th Congressional District, is completely within
the Illinois River Basin. The Chicago River’s North Branch extends
throughout my district. And communities and organizations within the 9th
Congressional District have already begun work on their own.
The
Niles Park District stabilized eroding streambanks along the North Branch,
created a wetland to reduce erosion and improve water quality, and installed
an educational stand to describe the practices for the public. Also,
the Friends of the Chicago River will implement a variety of best management
practices within the watershed to reduce nonpoint source pollution.
In addition, they will continue to implement a public outreach program
on nonpoint source pollution control and water quality and will investigate
possible policy changes needed to meet the plan’s goals and objectives.
I
look forward to a continuing relationship with the elected officials and
organizations in my district and throughout that are dedicated to improved
environmental quality and economic opportunity for the people of Illinois. |
