ACLU of Wisconsin and NAACP-Milwaukee Call For Annex 2001 Caution

July 22, 2004

Today, two leading civil rights and civil liberties organizations called on elected officials and policy planners to stay out of Lake Michigan water until everyone has had time to digest the draft agreements, that the eight Great Lakes Governors have proposed to create an enhanced water management system for the Great Lakes basin. The American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin and the NAACP -- Milwaukee Branch expect that the public comment phrase on the proposed implementing agreements to the Annex 2001 will be thorough and inclusive.

The Council of Great Lakes Governors and Premiers will hold two regional public hearings and the states and provinces are expected to take comments and hold additional public hearings.

Today, NAACP Milwaukee Branch President, Mrs. Jerry Ann Hamilton, said, "All of the citizens living in Milwaukee depend on Lake Michigan. It's a great resource that gives Milwaukee one advantage over privileged suburbs. We'd be crazy to allow massive amounts of water to be taken away to support economic development that doesn't help us."

ACLU of Wisconsin Executive Director, Chris Ahmuty, added, "Elected officials at the state level need to act affirmatively to hear from disadvantaged groups that live in the basin. The states then need to act to sort out competing interests and conserve a great resource without harming the poor and people of color."

He continued, "Tribes and First Nations also have a special interest in the process that needs to be taken seriously."

Hamilton, concluded, "We hope that Governor Doyle will schedule a public hearing in Milwaukee as well as other Lake Michigan and Lake Superior communities."

Ahmuty, concluded, "It goes without saying that the more credible the review process, the fairer the outcome will be for all."

Click here to read related article

Click here to read the letter to Governor Doyle

Related Links include:
1. The Council of Great Lakes Governors
2. Clean Wisconsin