The following post appeared in the Buffalo Downtowner's "Green Column" on February 24, 2010:

Communities that thrive are those that take advantage of their natural resources.  Florida capitalizes on its sunshine, California benefits from its Pacific surf and Western New York is on its way to making the most of our unique position on Lake Erie. 

Recently U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with 15 other federal agencies, unveiled an ambitious and unprecedented plan to make restoration of the Great Lakes a national priority through the five year, $2.2 billion Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Action Plan.

In 2008, the Brookings Institution released a report which concluded that a collaborative Great Lakes Restoration strategy, such as the one proposed by the EPA, could develop benefits as high as $50 billion in new jobs, development, and increased property values, including between $600 million and $1.1 billion for Buffalo. [Report]

For years our local lake shores have sat dormant with little activity physically or economically.  With the help of the New York Power Authority settlement, the lake that feeds the river that fuels the Niagara Power Project is helping to support our waterfront rebirth.  On the inner harbor, the Canal Side project is expected to create over 1,000 permanent jobs and at the outer harbor the parkway will open up acres of land for economic development - both projects generating economic activity where none existed before.

In addition to increased tourism on the landside, clean water and aquatic life drive sport fishing, an industry generating jobs for over one million people, with a $125 billion impact on the nation’s economy.

Beyond the clear environmental justification for keeping our fresh water clean, I recognize waterfront based economic opportunity is not possible without a healthy Lake.  I am a member of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force and led a local roundtable discussion on the Great Lakes.  In addition I am a cosponsor of the Great Lakes Collaboration Implementation Act and the Great Lakes Legacy Act, which is the program that funds the cleanup of contaminated areas like the Buffalo and Niagara.  I support increased funding for Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (CWSRLF) a program that is providing Buffalo with $17.6 million in federal funds to support new sewer infrastructure to limit pollution in our waterways. 

The Great Lakes represent the largest surface source of fresh water on this planet.  Our geographic position along this stretch of water provides us with unique environmental and economic opportunities.  Actions we take today will protect this enormous natural resource located in our own backyard and provide us with economic opportunity for generations to come.