To completely shed that Great Lake's rustbelt image, I believe that it's time to turn our collective attention to industrial site reuse. This is an issue that will allow our region to take the final step needed to reclaim our industrial heritage and to move, socially and economically ahead. Already, each of our eight states in the Great Lakes region stands at the forefront of this issue. We each have Land Recycling Programs - programs that complement the region's economic revitalization and environmental stewardship and offer new approaches to relieve distress in urban areas. But these programs could yield even greater benefits for our region.
Jobs are what it's all about.
Just think of all the factors that go into an employer's business location decision - transportation facilities, tax policies, work force skills and global economic conditions. Environmental concerns are in that mix as well. Like many of you, Pennsylvania has worked hard to make that change. Our Land Recycling Program is one example of that. I signed it into law in May of 1995.