As a followup to the commentary article (“Milfoil – a silent menace”, Auburn Reporter, Sept. 24), the National League of Cities (NLC) met in Denver in the first week of December at its annual Congress of Cities & Exposition.

This annual conference is a time when the seven major NLC committees get together, review and approve local government issues in the form of resolutions that “pass the muster” for NLC Board of Directors approval.

The board at its meeting unanimously approved the milfoil resolution as a means of saving a natural resource from pollution. This NLC process now will open the way for Cascade Water Alliance and others entities in the United States to contact Congress and lobby federal funding for the management and/or eradication of the invasive aquatic milfoil (myriophyllum spicatum).

This resolution action will: 1. Save federal tax dollars by bringing attention to the invasive, aquatic milfoil plant in and around government dam equipment and facilities, thus preventing equipment failure and repair, and, 2. assist private entities in seeking funding that will reduce the environmental impact and other related problems caused by milfoil.

Further, this action will prevent the destruction of our water bodies and will help to preserve water quality, natural habit and our ecosystems.

In the Auburn Reporter’s September article, it was explained that the aquatic, plant-like weed milfoil, which lurks in freshwater lakes (it is very prevalent in Lake Tapps and is being treated by CWA), rivers and other water bodies, has caused humans to drown and has created economic and recreational havoc throughout the United States.

Bill Peloza is an Auburn City Councilmember and member of the Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Steering Committee as part of the City’s NLC membership.