SR0190 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0190 LRB094 12350 CSA 46396 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, On May 12, 1905, Governor Charles S. Deneen signed legislation authorizing the creation of the Illinois State Geological Survey to study, inventory, and report on the geology and mineral resources of the State; and

WHEREAS, On May 12, 2005, the Illinois State Geological Survey is beginning a year-long celebration of its one hundred years of service to the people of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, During the past one hundred years, the Illinois State Geological Survey has published thousands of geological maps and scientific articles, reports, and educational materials that have established the agency's reputation as one of the premier geological research and scientific service institutions in North America; and

WHEREAS, The members of the General Assembly, recognizing the importance and economic value to the people of obtaining reliable, unbiased information about Illinois' valuable earth resources, including groundwater, coal, oil and gas, and industrial minerals, and about the potential hazards that may come from natural events such as earthquakes, landslides, and floods, have continued to support the Illinois State Geological Survey through annual appropriations throughout the past century; and

WHEREAS, Economic studies have demonstrated that each dollar invested in producing detailed geological maps by the Illinois State Geological Survey and making them available to the public has returned between twenty-five and thirty-nine dollars to the economy of the State through reduced costs for environmental cleanups, exploring for earth resources, and safe-siting of waste disposal facilities, industries, and critical infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, The geologists at the Illinois State Geological Survey are continuing to serve the people of Illinois by creating detailed geological maps of the rapidly urbanizing areas of the State where the needs are greatest, and by creating three-dimensional computer models of the complexly layered glacial deposits that cover all but the southernmost parts of the State, to help local officials locate and protect groundwater aquifers, find the best sites for industrial development, properly plan necessary urban and suburban growth, route highways and other modes of transportation, and build other infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, The scientific experts at the Illinois State Geological Survey are developing new technologies and studying the State's geology in order to make the State of Illinois the recognized leader in "cradle-to-grave" management of fossil fuel resources so that our citizens and the nation may ultimately enjoy the possibility of using the State's abundant coal and oil and gas resources in a pollution-free manner; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we do hereby proclaim May 12, 2005, Illinois State Geological Survey Day to honor the beginning of that institution's Centennial Celebration and urge the people of Illinois to support and participate in the many public events and activities to be held during the coming year in celebration of that Centennial; and be it further

RESOLVED, That Illinois State Senators and their staffs are encouraged to meet the scientists, technicians, and administrators of the agency on the first floor of the State House on May 17, 2005, to learn about some of the scientific projects currently being pursued by the Survey for the benefit of the people and industries of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the agency for display at its headquarters building in Champaign, Illinois.