{
  "id": "RL31714",
  "type": "CRS Report",
  "typeId": "REPORTS",
  "number": "RL31714",
  "active": false,
  "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
  "versions": [
    {
      "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
      "id": 100459,
      "date": "2003-01-27",
      "retrieved": "2016-05-24T19:59:39.259941",
      "title": "Designating Lake Saint Clair a \"Great Lake\": Legal Analysis",
      "summary": "The Great Lakes and their connecting waters form the largest fresh surface water system on\nEarth. \nThe Great Lakes affect millions of people as well as aspects of the natural environment. \nConsequently, law makers have now become sensitive to the industrial and environmental needs of\nthe Lakes. Several federal agencies play key roles in the management and protection of the Great\nLakes by implementing programs for pollution control, conservation, navigation, and scientific\nresearch. Lake Saint Clair is located between Lakes Huron and Erie, and is the smallest lake in the\nGreat Lakes system. Although not recognized as a traditional \"Great Lake,\" Lake Saint Clair is a\nvital resource to many of the region's citizens, animals, and ecosystems. \n  This report focuses on the statutory language of the programs specifically authorized for the\nGreat Lakes and discusses various national programs as applicable. In particular, this report\ndiscusses the statutory programs that benefit the \"Great Lakes\" and how these programs would\nbenefit Lake Saint Clair, if designated as a \"Great Lake.\" This discussion, however, requires an\ninitial consideration of the statutory language for each program to assess whether Lake Saint Clair\nis not already, either explicitly or implicitly, eligible to receive the benefits of a program. \n  A review of the programs discussed herein demonstrates that Lake Saint Clair is generally\nincluded in the statutory language for programs that benefit the \"Great Lakes,\" the \"Great Lakes\nBasin,\" or the \"Great Lakes Region,\" or for a \"Great Lakes State.\" In essence, Lake Saint Clair\nappears eligible for most of the programs and funding that are specifically designated for the\ntraditional Great Lakes and may be eligible under others. Thus, a designation as a \"Great Lake\"\nwould appear to have little or no legal significance for these purposes. This report will be updated\nas warranted.",
      "type": "CRS Report",
      "typeId": "REPORTS",
      "active": false,
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          "url": "http://www.crs.gov/Reports/pdf/RL31714",
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        }
      ],
      "topics": []
    }
  ],
  "topics": [
    "American Law"
  ]
}