that is home to waterfowl and wildlife; that provides beaches, sport and commercial fishing, and 
recreational facilities for millions of Texas; and is surrounded by more than 3 million people living 
in four counties. 
There is agricultural fertilizer washing into the estuary. It is traversed by hundreds of miles of ship 
channels. It provides access to America's third largest port. And it is virtually surrounded by 
petroleum, chemical and other manufacturing facilities critical to the economic well-being of our 
state and national economy. 
As Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I can tell you that budget and fiscal realities make 
it clear that Galveston Bay will not be saved in Washington. The federal government can help. It can 
provide the impetus for conferences such as this. NOAA can play a role. But the hard work and the 
sacrifice and the tough choices will have to be made by Texans. 
And that is really the way it should be. We are the ones who must accept responsibility for the 
destiny of a body of water that has been the source of so much life and commerce for so many 
centuries. 
Protecting the Galveston Estuary will be a tough job, but it has to be done. Fortunately, we have 
the people to do it. We have Texans, working together to preserve one of our state's most important 
assets. 
I believe the Galveston Estuary has a future as bright as its past. 
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