NEWS


                                        Release No. 0145.98
                        
                 THE WHITE HOUSE
          Office of the Vice President
                        

For Immediate Release:             Contact:  (202) 456-7035
                                     Monday, March 30, 1998 
                         

        STATEMENT BY VICE PRESIDENT GORE
         ON IMPROVING THE ILLINOIS RIVER

     The agreement announced today with the state of
Illinois to restore and preserve the Illinois River
demonstrates how government can work in partnership with
private landowners to promote both a sound economy and a
healthy environment. It will help Illinois farmers do what
they know is right -- protect our water and our wildlife.

     This agreement, through the Department of
Agriculture's Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program,
will provide $250 million to help preserve thousands of
acres along waterways throughout the Illinois River
watershed.

     By providing farmers incentives to retire these lands,
the agreement will reduce the amount of sediment and
nutrients reaching the Illinois and its tributaries. This
will help restore fish and other wildlife, reduce flooding
damage, improve river navigation and assure cleaner water
for
Illinois families. The river will thrive, and so will the
economy it sustains.

     President Clinton and I are committed to working with
states and with landowners on innovative ways to grow our
economy while protecting our environment.  I welcome
Illinois as our newest partner in this program, and look
forward to similar agreements with other states.

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