MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced that the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact was signed into law this morning by President Bush. The Compact not only protects one of the world’s largest freshwater sources from long-range diversions, but it also gives the Great Lakes states the legal framework for the sustainable management of this unique resource.
Governor Doyle, Chairman of the Council of Great Lakes Governors, issued the following statement on the signing of the Compact:
“Today we mark a truly historic accomplishment for our region’s greatest natural resource. After years of negotiating and building support for this interstate compact, we now have defined a legal framework to protect the waters that define us.
“The Great Lakes are the reason that you can look at a picture of the earth from space and pick out a state like Wisconsin. They have shaped our history, our cities, our industry and our recreation. And just as they have formed this region, they will continue to help determine our future.
“One of our greatest competitive advantages in the global economy is our water. Our Great Lakes grow industries and draw businesses to this region. They are essential to transportation and shipping, they drive recreation and tourism, and they sustain cities.
“The signing of the Compact today is the culmination of years of hard work among eight Great Lakes states and two Canadian provinces. Together, we now have the ability to prevent long-range diversions of our water. But just as importantly, we have the clear legal authority we need to cooperatively manage this tremendous water system.
“That legal framework will be essential as we confront the next challenges to protect the Great Lakes for future generations.”
