AJR45: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-2510/1

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2019 - 2020 LEGISLATURE

2019 Assembly JOINT RESOLUTION 45

May 16, 2019 - Introduced by Representatives B. Meyers, Kitchens, Stuck, Milroy, Kulp, Hebl, Zamarripa, Sinicki, Sargent, Mursau, Anderson, Ballweg, Kolste, Considine, Shankland, Spiros, Emerson, Vruwink, Ohnstad, Gruszynski, Thiesfeldt, Tusler and Skowronski, cosponsored by Senators Cowles, Bewley, Miller, Ringhand and Jacque. Referred to Committee on Rules.

AJR45,1,2 Relating to: proclaiming September 7, 2019, as Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Appreciation Day.

AJR45,1,6 Whereas, the Great Lakes system, including Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and the St. Lawrence River, is a globally significant resource and ecosystem, holding 21 percent of the world's surface freshwater; and

AJR45,1,9 Whereas, the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River provide drinking water to more than 48 million Americans and Canadians and supply 56 billion gallons of water per day for municipal, agricultural, and industrial use; and

AJR45,1,13 Whereas, on September 7, 2012, by signing a revised Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the United States and Canada reaffirmed their commitment to binational cooperation “to restore, protect, and enhance the water quality of the Great Lakes to promote the ecological health of the Great Lakes basin”; and

AJR45,1,15 Whereas, an abundant supply of clean, affordable water is essential to support a healthy population, a thriving economy, and a well-functioning ecosystem; and

AJR45,2,3 Whereas, as the major source of water for communities located within the Great Lakes basin, the Great Lakes system is a vital resource in which all the region's residents share a common interest; and

AJR45,2,6 Whereas, the Great Lakes system is an economic powerhouse for the region, supporting industries such as shipping, agriculture, technology, manufacturing, recreation, and tourism; and

AJR45,2,9 Whereas, the waters and shoreline of the Great Lakes system provide exceptional habitat for thousands of species of native mammals, birds, amphibians, fish, and plants; and

AJR45,2,13 Whereas, the Great Lakes basin is home to numerous beaches, parks, forests, harbors, marinas, piers, lighthouses, boardwalks, and islands that provide recreational opportunities for swimming, hiking, surfing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hunting, photography, wildlife watching, and more; and

AJR45,2,15 Whereas, the Great Lakes have profound effects on Wisconsin's environment, culture, and quality of life; and

AJR45,2,21 Whereas, Lakes Michigan and Superior provide sport fishing opportunities for more than 250,000 anglers, bringing $252 million to lakeshore communities annually; the foundation for a $3 billion tourism industry in lakeshore counties; water vital for manufacturing; harbors and marinas that annually support a $9.4 billion recreational boating industry; and a maritime transportation network that annually supports the movement of $7 billion in cargo through Wisconsin ports; and

AJR45,2,23 Whereas, people greatly value the opportunity to live, work, and play in areas near waters that are vibrant, beautiful, and life-sustaining; and

AJR45,2,25 Whereas, the region's environment, economy, and people rely on the clean, healthy waters of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River; now therefore be it

AJR45,3,4 Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That: the members of the Wisconsin Legislature recognize September 7, 2019, as Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Appreciation Day in Wisconsin and encourage citizens to learn about the importance of the Great Lakes system to our economy and culture.

AJR45,3,5 (End)