Blanchard to Establish New Michigan Department of 'Great Lakes and Water Quality'

Former Governor Jim Blanchard has announced that he will create a new state department of "Great Lakes and Water Quality" as one of his first acts as governor. "It's time to take our stewardship of the lakes and water to a new level of focus and protection," Blanchard said. He outlined his plans at the Michigan Press Association Winter Convention in Grand Rapids.

"From my experience as a U.S. Congressman, Governor and Ambassador to Canada, I am convinced that now, more than ever, the Great Lakes, our inland lakes, streams and ground water are eminently worthy of a separate department and leadership. Indeed, the Great Lakes are unique in the world," he said.

The mission of the Department of Great Lakes and Water Quality will be to protect and enhance the quality and quantity of the Great Lakes ecosystem. The Department will be responsible for managing Michigan's water policies as they affect water, land and air policies, and protecting, managing and coordinating the activities of the State with the other Great Lakes states, the Federal government and Canada.

"Our goal in Michigan should be to accelerate the cleanup of the Great Lakes and inland waters and strengthen protection against diversion of Great Lakes water," Blanchard added.

Strongly related to the new Department are two initiatives Blanchard said he would establish.

• A tough "Polluter Pay" law that requires polluters to pay for clean-up, rather than taxpayers.

• A Federal, State and Canadian effort to create a comprehensive Great Lakes Protection Plan modeled after the recently enacted Everglades Restoration Fund signed into law by President Clinton.

"The Great Lakes define Michigan. They define our very psyche," Blanchard concluded. "Water affects our health, our jobs and our quality of life. It's what makes Michigan a special place."

Source: Jim Blanchard for Governor Campaign