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 about jobs. 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. I would like to suggest a regional industrial site reuse strategy that I believe is an ideal match for our region's high performance economic and environmental agenda. It is a plan that builds upon the success we have had in Pennsylvania and the success that other Great Lakes states have had to take full advantage of the environmental and economic potential that industrial site reuse has in this region.