IL HR0221

Designates September 7, 2019 as Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Appreciation Day in Illinois.

Recognizes the Great Lakes system as a globally significant resource holding 21 percent of the world's surface freshwater and providing drinking water to more than 48 million Americans and Canadians.

Acknowledges Illinois' 63-mile Lake Michigan shoreline as a vital economic asset, supporting a tourism industry attracting 20 million visitors annually and generating $3.2 billion in recreation spending and 33,000 jobs.

Highlights the Great Lakes' importance as habitat for thousands of native species and as a foundation for regional industries including shipping, agriculture, manufacturing, and recreation.

Affirms the region's commitment to the 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between the United States and Canada for restoring, protecting, and enhancing water quality in the basin.