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"I want to congratulate Congress for recognizing the importance of
the Water Redevelopment Act and what it means for Illinois and the
nation. Overriding President Bush's veto paves the way for
completion of the Asian carp barrier project near Chicago, allows
the Army Corps of Engineers to address critical flood control needs
in Rockford and East St. Louis, as well as authorizes substantial
planning, projects and monitoring that are expected to improve water
quality and ecosystems in the Mississippi, Illinois and Kaskaskia
rivers." "Building and maintaining the Asian carp barrier is
essential to protect the Great Lakes ecosystem from the invasive
species. The value of the Great Lakes fishery is estimated at around
$4.5 billion annually. Experts predict if Asian carp become
established in the Great Lakes, it would have devastating impact.
Again, I applaud Congress for its action today and for protecting
the Great Lakes, Rockford and communities across Illinois."
[Text from file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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