Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions
Floor Speech
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Mr. REED. Mr. President, today I am introducing, along with my colleagues Senator Whitehouse, Senator Blumenthal, and Senator Murphy, legislation to designate river segments within the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
Following more than three years of intense study, this legislation would formally recognize the recreational, natural, and historical qualities of portions of the Beaver, Chipuxet, Green Fall-Ashaway, Pawcatuck, Queen-Usquepaugh, Shunock, and Wood Rivers in Rhode Island and Connecticut while providing access to Federal resources and promoting strong partnerships for their restoration and protection.
The Wood-Pawcatuck watershed is a national treasure that not only holds natural and scenic value, but is also an important economic driver for the area. Indeed, the twelve local river communities experience direct economic benefits from their proximity to these rivers through increased recreation and tourism. The watershed provides a range of opportunities for visitors, from viewing early industrial mill ruins, to trout fishing, to bird watching, to kayaking.
I have long been a supporter of protecting and restoring these rivers, which is why I sponsored the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Protection Act in 2013. The study that was initiated by that legislation has been a critical tool for bringing together stakeholders from Rhode Island and Connecticut including representatives from State agencies, local governments, and conservation groups in order to develop a collaborative path forward. The resulting stewardship plan, which was formally adopted by the study committee and supported by all twelve local river communities, builds upon currently existing efforts to preserve and manage the river ecosystems while also considering what steps will need to be taken collectively in the future to protect them.
I would like to commend Representatives Langevin, Cicilline, and Courtney for introducing companion legislation. It is particularly fitting this week, as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the landmark Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, that we are continuing our work to protect these special places. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to pass this legislation so that we can preserve the rivers of the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed for the enjoyment of future generations.
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