Senators Olshove, Sanborn and Switalski offered the following concurrent resolution:

            Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 2.

            A concurrent resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to designate Lake St. Clair as the sixth Great Lake.

            Whereas, The state of Michigan is impacted by the quality of the Great Lakes far beyond any other political entity.  In addition to deriving our identity from this magnificent network of fresh water, Michigan depends upon the resources of the Great Lakes for our economy, our health, and our recreation.  All steps that could bring about increased protection of the lakes, whether at the state, national, or international levels, must be taken; and

            Whereas, A key component of the Great Lakes is Lake St. Clair.  This 420-square mile lake is a fundamental part of the system.  Because of its size and its unique characteristics, Lake St. Clair is far different from other connecting waterways included in the Great Lakes network.  To those who know it best, Lake St. Clair is clearly a Great Lake in all but name; and

            Whereas, Lake St. Clair provides the drinking water for millions of people.  One-third of all the fish taken from the Great Lakes come out of Lake St. Clair.  It includes a remarkable degree of biodiversity; and

            Whereas, In spite of its riches, Lake St. Clair is threatened by many challenges.  Its environment faces difficulties ranging from the harmful effects of urban and agricultural runoff, the loss of wetlands and habitat along its coast, invasive species, pollution from many sources, and the persistent problem of beach closings from high bacteria levels.  Clearly, there is a great need for Lake St. Clair to gain a more appropriate profile in order to receive more attention and a more appropriate level of funding to address these and other serious issues.  The locally generated effort to have Lake St. Clair designated as the sixth Great Lake is a long overdue step that needs to be taken; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to designate Lake St. Clair as the sixth Great Lake; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the members of the Michigan congressional delegation, and the Great Lakes Commission.