WASHINGTON, DC - In recognition of his efforts to restore coastal wetlands throughout New England and in the 10th District, Congressman Bill Delahunt was presented with the 2006 Gulf of Maine Visionary Award by the Massachusetts Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership.

"In the aftermath of Katrina, our nation has come to realize that the protection of our wetlands is critical not just for the health of our oceans but vital for the safety of our coastal communities as well," Congressman Delahunt said.

Over the years, Rep. Delahunt has emerged as national champion of coastal restoration projects, fighting for increased funding and innovative partnerships.  For example, the Straights Pond Bridge/Culvert is a national model for how transportation projects can help - rather than hurt - the environment.

Last year, he joined with Senator Edward M. Kennedy is securing $500,000 for the Herring River Wetlands Restoration Project, in Wellfleet.  The project brings together officials from the Town of Wellfleet, the National Seashore and dozens of conservation groups in restoring the 1000-acre estuary for recreation, wildlife and commercial fishermen.  It is the largest wetland restoration initiative in the Commonwealth's history. The town has already committed $1.2 million to the project.

The deteriorating health of the estuary has impacted once-thriving waterfowl and fish populations - including herring, the river's namesake. The restoration will enhance environment for wildlife, commercial fisheries, recreation and the region's economy.

As part of the Transportation Equity Act passed by Congress last year, Delahunt was successful in getting $750,000 to repair the crumbling Route 228 West Corner Bridge and Culvert in Cohasset, Hingham, Hull.  The bridges degrading culvert has allowed highly combustible phragmite into the watershed threatening a vital estuary and recreational spot The worsening conditions pose threats to public health, the environment and federal trust resources. 

Building On the Past to Meet the Challenges of Today

In addressing members of the Wetlands Partnership, Delahunt applauded leaders in government, business and the environmental community in forging a consensus on protecting and restoring our nation's wetlands. Delahunt recalled, that at one time "we had industry and activists on opposing sides, with government agencies trying to referee," Delahunt said.

"But through dialogue and a reliance on empirical data and science, the private and public interest were able to craft a consensus on how to protect and restore our wetlands.  Our success serves as a model that we must rely upon as we confront another challenge that affects our coast -- the lack of a comprehensive policy to manage our oceans," Delahunt said.

Delahunt said that resolving our region's energy crisis and developing offshore LNG and renewable energy was critical.  He renewed his call for an ocean policy based on consensus and a new regulatory road map to guide private investment.  Delahunt noted that the absence of such policies as being at the heart of numerous coastal energy project controversies, from Fall River, Hull, Cape Cod and off Gloucester. 

In conclusion, Delahunt said, "In doing so, we will make New England a world leader in ocean energy technology, harnessing the resources of the sea in a sustainable way that creates thousands of new jobs and scores of new businesses."

The Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership (CWRP) is a non-governmental organization of private firms that voluntarily lend technical expertise and financial support to get a project underway.
 

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