This evening, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) delivered remarks on the House floor praising unanimous passage of legislation to protect access to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Transcript:
Tonight the House passed legislation addressing an issue that is near and dear to my heart, and very important to Michigan, involving Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park.
For years, there has been a back and forth between the community surrounding Sleeping Bear Dunes and the National Park Service over the best way to make sure this pristine treasure remains protected and accessible to the public.
I have personally been involved in this process for over a decade and I am glad to see my friend and colleague Dr. Dan Benishek, who now represents the area, pick up the legislative torch that my predecessor Peter Hoekstra and I introduced and get it across the finish line.
This bipartisan and bicameral solution ensures that beaches will remain open, public roads can be improved, hunting and fishing will continue to be allowed, and private property rights are protected.
Tonight's legislative achievement would not be possible without the hard work and tireless efforts of local citizens, local business owners, and local advocacy groups such as the Coalition for Access to the Lakeshore.
I look forward to President Obama signing this much needed piece of legislation that benefits visitors to the park, local residents, and small businesses throughout Northern Michigan.
Most importantly we will see Sleeping Bear Dunes preserved for generations to come.
