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 including 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 Erie is among Pennsylvania's most valuable
natural resources and has extraordinary economic value for this
Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania's Lake Erie coastal region provides a
home for an estimated 250,000 Pennsylvania residents and more
than 3,000 jobs, Presque Isle State Park, which attracts 4
million visitors who spend an estimated $76.9 million annually,
a tourism and recreation industry that contributes more than $65
million to Pennsylvania's economy, harbors and marinas that
support a $71 million annual recreational boating industry and a
growing steelhead fishery that generates nearly $10 million in
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