HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHP) — Pennsylvania State Representative David Maloney is preparing a resolution to rename Lake Erie to Lake Pennsylvania.
The resolution would urge the United States Congress and the United States Secretary of the Interior to take the steps necessary to change the name of the only Great Lake in Pennsylvania.
“Every summer, Pennsylvanians head toward the lake—north on I-79 from western Pennsylvania, west on I-80 from central and eastern Pennsylvania and along connecting highways from every corner of the Commonwealth—with boats, fishing gear and families in tow,” Maloney said.
According to research from Pennsylvania Sea Grant, although roughly 74% of surveyed anglers live in Pennsylvania, they travel an average of 103 miles to reach the water.
Maloney said the Lakes modern economy and identity are tied to the boaters, anglers, families and tourists who enjoy it.
Ohio has plenty of shoreline. New York already has two Great Lakes. Canada has four others,” Maloney said. “Pennsylvania has one. Let’s call it Lake Pennsylvania!