Resolution: CZMA Reauthorization and Coastal Community Program
Adopted on September 29, 2005

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Whereas, "controlling pollution from diffuse sources into water, land and air" is an explicit Great Lakes Commission priority in its 2005 Great Lakes Program; and

Whereas, the Great Lakes Commission's 2005 Great Lakes Program calls for reauthorization of and adequate appropriations for the Coastal Zone Management Act in 2005 to meet the stated priority to "enhance fish and wildlife habitat by restoring and protecting habitats and coastal wetlands;" and

Whereas, all Great Lakes States either participate or are in the process of joining the federal Coastal Zone Management Program, which provides matching grants to states to establish and implement state coastal programs; and

Whereas, the Great Lakes Commission has formally recognized that inefficient and unsustainable land use practices represent a continuing trend in and a major threat to the Great Lakes ecosystem; and

Whereas, the Great Lakes Commission has formally recognized that linking brownfields redevelopment and greenfields protection is an important step toward sustainable development; and

Whereas, the Great Lakes Commission has formally urged its member jurisdictions to provide for mutually supportive brownfields redevelopment and greenfields protection initiatives at the local level; and

Whereas, S. 360, the Coastal Zone Enhancement Reauthorization Act of 2005, includes authorization for a Coastal Community Program, which would provide management, planning and technical assistance to local communities to revitalize previously developed areas; conserve environmentally sensitive areas; protect coastal waters and habitats; and coordinate coastal nonpoint pollution control strategies; and

Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission urges Congress to pass the Coastal Zone Enhancement Reauthorization Act of 2005; and

Be It Further Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission urges Congress to appropriate adequate funds for the Coastal Community Program; and

Be It Finally Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission urges its member states to work with regional and local governments to establish and implement the Coastal Community Program to promote revitalization and protection of natural resources and open space and efficient, coordinated strategies for both in Great Lakes coastal areas.

Adopted by the Great Lakes Commission at its Annual Meeting, Sept. 29, 2005, in Ann Arbor, Mich.