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HF 2515

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 05/13/2019 01:30pm

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.

Current Version - as introduced

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A resolution
declaring September 7, 2019, as Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Appreciation Day in
Minnesota, encouraging all Minnesotans to learn about the importance of the Great
Lakes and St. Lawrence River to the economy and the environment of Minnesota, and
urging recognition of this day across the region.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHEREAS, Lake Superior is one of Minnesota's most valuable natural resources, providing
water for drinking and industry, shipping of commodities, commercial fishing. and waterborne
transportation. An estimated 3.5 million people visit Minnesota's "North Shore" every year, with
tourism generating more than $1 billion annually and supporting more than 20,000 jobs. Lake
Superior also supports an exceptional sport fishery valued at $1.58 billion; a recreational boating
industry that generates nearly 50,000 jobs and $3.7 billion annually; and Duluth-Superior Harbor,
with 1,000 vessels visiting annually carrying $2 billion in cargo and supporting 2,000 local jobs
with an economic impact of $210 million; and

WHEREAS, people greatly value the opportunity to live, work, and play in areas near waters
that are vibrant, beautiful, and life sustaining; and

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 RESOLVED by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota, that September 7, 2019, be
declared Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Appreciation Day in Minnesota. We urge appropriate observance
of this occasion throughout the State of Minnesota and by the states that share the Great Lakes and
St. Lawrence River.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota is directed
to prepare enrolled copies of this resolution and transmit them to the governors of Minnesota and
the states that share the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.