New York's U.S. Senators, Representatives Advance Great Lakes Restoration & Economic Recovery

ALBANY, NY (10/30/2009)(readMedia)-- President Obama is poised to sign into law a bill that will nearly double funding to restore lakes Erie and Ontario and the other Great Lakes, following a vote by the U.S. Congress today.

"Today's action is a gigantic step forward in the effort to restore lakes Erie and Ontario and revive New York's economy, particularly in the Great Lakes Basin," said Katherine Nadeau, Environmental Advocates of New York's Water & Natural Resources Program Associate. "We applaud Congress-especially New York's congressional delegation-for passing this bill. We look forward to President Obama signing this into law so that we can get to work protecting our drinking water, economy and way of life."

New York's Congressional leaders, including Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Representatives Slaughter, Higgins, Maffei, Arcuri, Massa and Lee were essential in getting the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative fully funded at $475 million. President Obama proposed the Initiative in his inaugural budget in the spring.

"This is major funding increase is a big win for the environment and the economy," said Sean Mahar, Director of Government Relations for Audubon New York. "We applaud the entire New York Congressional Delegation for supporting this important initiative and ensuring that the health of the Lakes will improve for the benefit the people, businesses and communities of New York."

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative will help clean up contaminated sediments which threaten public health; prevent the introduction of invasive species that cost the region at least $200 million per year in damages and control costs; prevent run-off and other pollution responsible for beach closures; and restore habitat that is the foundation of the region's outdoor recreational economy.

"This is a great day for the Great Lakes," said Dereth Glance, Executive Program Director for Citizens Campaign for the Environment. "Fully funding the President's request for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is a solid down payment and will reap economic and ecosystem benefits basin-wide."

The Brookings Institution found that the region will gain at least $2 in economic benefit for every $1 invested in Great Lakes restoration.

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For more information:

Sean Mahar, Audubon New York-518-253-7000

Dereth Glance, Citizens Campaign for the Environment-518-339-2853

Brian Smith, Citizens Campaign for the Environment-716-831-3206

Erica Ringewald, Environmental Advocates of New York-518-210-9903

Audubon New York, the 50,000 member State program of the National Audubon Society, is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitats that supports them. Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences.

Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE) is an 80,000 member non-profit, non-partisan advocacy organization that works to empower communities and advocate solutions that protect public health and the natural environment.

Environmental Advocates of New York's mission is to protect the state's air, land, water and wildlife and the health of all New Yorkers. Based in Albany, we monitor state government, evaluate proposed laws, and champion policies and practices that will ensure the responsible stewardship of our shared environment. The tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization is also the New York affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.