[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 69 (Thursday, May 16, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E832]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HUDSON RIVER HABITAT RESTORATION ACT

                                 ______


                           HON. SUE W. KELLY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 1996

  Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, the Hudson River is one of the crown jewels 
of America's wonders. It has helped to shape our Nation's history and 
its beauty has inspired generations of Americans. This is why I rise 
today to introduce the Hudson River Habitat Restoration Act of 1996, 
legislation to authorize Federal funding for needed habitat restoration 
projects along New York's Hudson River.
  A Reconnaissance report released by the Corps of Engineers in 
February 1995 identified several critical habitat restoration projects 
along the Hudson River in New York--projects intended to restore 
habitats damaged by industry and agricultural operations that have 
occurred along the river over the past century. My predecessor, former 
Congressman Hamilton Fish, secured the funds for the reconnaissance 
study. My legislation seeks to continue this process by authorizing 
funding for one or more of the priority projects identified by the 
Corps' study.
  Mr. Speaker, the Hudson River estuary is an important habitat to a 
wide range of waterfowl and aquatic species. Many important habitats 
along the river--wetlands, marshes, and so forth--have been degraded 
over the past century as industry and agriculture grew along the river. 
My legislation seeks Federal funding for critical habitat projects 
identified by the Corps of Engineers and New York's Department of 
Environmental Conservation.
  Recently, I had the pleasure of touring the Manitou Marsh in 
Phillipstown, Putnam County, one of the sites identified in the Corps' 
study and an ideal candidate for restoration. The marsh is a very 
productive ecosystem, great habitat for raptors, waterfowl and fish, 
and serves to clean pollutants from the river. Road and factory 
construction dating from the 19th century has adversely affected the 
tidal flows in and out of the marsh, a problem my legislation seeks to 
correct.
  This legislation supports an ongoing and cooperative effort that has 
involved various levels of government, including the U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, 
local environmental organizations, such as the Museum of the Hudson 
Highlands, Scenic Hudson, and the Audubon Society, as well as private 
sector businesses, such as Metro North Railroad.
  Passage of the Hudson River Habitat Restoration Act will be an 
important step in protecting the environmental quality of this 
important waterway. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this 
legislation.

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