CHICAGO (AP) — This week will be “Illinois Sister Rivers and Lakes Week” to highlight the importance of the Illinois River and Lake Michigan.
Gov. Pat Quinn made the declaration Saturday. An exhibit at the James R. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago will salute the state’s sister rivers partners.
Quinn says the Prairie State was “defined geographically, historically and economically” by the Illinois River and Lake Michigan.
He says state programs ensure the waterways can be used recreationally and commercially while protecting fish and other living things.
Quinn launched the “sisters” program as lieutenant governor in 2007. He has forged relationships related to rivers in Brazil, China, Israel, Mexico City, Japan, Poland and South Korea.
The governor is encouraging residents traveling overseas to visit one of the Illinois sister rivers.
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Online: http://www2.illinois.gov/gov/sisterrivers/
