Rep. Meekhof offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 55.

            A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact and the President of the United States to sign the Water Quality Investment Act of 2007.

            Whereas, Sewer overflows of raw and partially treated sewage is a chronic problem in Michigan and throughout the nation. Sewer overflows are a serious threat to public health and safety, polluting our water and forcing beaches to close, contaminating drinking water, and limiting recreational opportunities; and

            Whereas, Hundreds of Michigan communities experience sewer overflows, spilling nearly 20 billion gallons of raw or partially treated sewage annually into Michigan's lakes and rivers; and

            Whereas, Federal requirements to update and repair aging sewer systems that contribute to sewer overflows cost billions of dollars, straining local and state resources. Nationally, there is projected to be a $6 billion per year shortfall between the level of funding needed and current funding levels. In Michigan, the Auditor General estimated that it could cost as much as $530 million per year to address Michigan's sewer system's needs; and

            Whereas, The Water Quality Investment Act of 2007 (H.R. 569) would authorize $1.7 billion in federal grant funding over the next five years to eliminate sewer overflows; and

            Whereas, Michigan has a major stake in the condition of the Great Lakes.  In addition to the public health aspects of this critical issue, the state's tourism industry, which is a leading component of our state economy and the strength of so many communities, is impacted dramatically by the quality of the lakes; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact and the President of the United States to sign the Water Quality Investment Act of 2007; and be it further

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