Lt. Governor Pat Quinn addresses river enthusiasts at Illinois River Symposium, awards Congressman Ray LaHood with Environmental Hero Award Click here for the agenda. (Peoria)- This Friday, March 7, 2008, at 3:00 p.m., Lt. Governor Pat Quinn will join with state officials and dedicated river enthusiasts for the Illinois River Symposium at the Gateway Building, 200 NE Water Street, Peoria. Quinn will discuss the importance of partnering together to protect the Illinois River for future generations. Lt. Governor Quinn will also award Congressman Ray LaHood (R-Peoria) with an Environmental Hero Award for his continued efforts to restore the Illinois River and its watershed. "Throughout his long and prestigious career in public service, Congressman Ray LaHood has worked tirelessly to protect the Illinois River," Quinn said. "Congressman LaHood's bipartisan approach and civility have resulted in many successes for the waterways of the Land of Lincoln, and his example will serve us for decades to come." The Illinois River Symposium will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on March 7 and will highlight recent successes in protecting the Illinois River watershed, new challenges for the future, and strategies to elevate river restoration efforts to a national level. Symposium participants will also discuss a coordinated federal and state strategy to secure funding for Illinois River restoration. As Lt. Governor, Quinn serves as chairman of the Illinois River Coordinating Council composed of citizens, not-for-profit organizations, state and federal agencies, sportsmen and river enthusiasts. The Council coordinates funding for river restoration in the sprawling Illinois River watershed, which includes the Illinois River and its tributaries: the Chicago, Des Plaines, DuPage, Fox, Kankakee, La Moine, Mackinaw, Sangamon, Spoon and Vermilion rivers. For a complete symposium agenda please visit: www.CleanWater.il.gov. |