[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 96 (Wednesday, July 11, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1298]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE ``QUINEBAUG AND SHETUCKET RIVERS VALLEY NATIONAL 
               HERITAGE CORRIDOR PROTECTION ACT OF 2001''

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROB SIMMONS

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 10, 2001

  Mr. SIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague from 
Massachusetts, Richard Neal, to introduce the ``Quinebaug and Shetucket 
Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor Protection Act of 2001.''
  The bill would provide for the implementation of a management plan 
for the Corridor to protect resources critical to maintaining and 
interpreting the distinctive character of the Quinebaug and Shetucket 
Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor.
  Created by Congress in 1999, the Quinebaug-Shetucket Rivers Valley 
National Heritage Corridor (QSHC) encompasses about 695,000 acres in 
northeastern Connecticut and south-central Massachusetts.
  Called ``the Last Green Valley'' in the sprawling metropolitan 
Boston-to-Washington, D.C. corridor, the QSHC has successfully assisted 
in the development and implementation of integrated cultural, 
historical, and recreational land resource management programs that has 
and will continue to retain, enhance and interpret these significant 
features. But much more needs to be done, which is why Mr. Neal and I 
introduced this legislation.
  The QSHC will embark on two very significant projects. The Green 
Valley Institute is an expansion of the successful natural resource 
education program that will serve as a key educational tool for the 
scores of volunteers who work on the municipal boards, committees and 
commissions making those important decisions regarding land use and 
natural resource conservation. The program will also provide much 
needed information in estate planning, forestland management, and 
technical assistance in GIS training and other important technology. 
The Green Valley Institute may be the single most important program 
that the QSHC can provide its 35 towns.
  The other significant project is the planning and consideration of 
the Gateway Center proposed for I-395 in Thompson, Connecticut. Many 
entities in northeast Connecticut and south-central Massachusetts are 
looking to the QSHC as the unifying element to carry the project 
forward.
  The Gateway Center will fill a significant need for the communities, 
businesses, attractions and recreational facilities in the region.
  It's imperative that the Quinebaug-Shetucket Rivers Valley National 
Heritage Corridor be given the resources to continue to conserve, 
celebrate and enhance the significant historical, cultural, natural and 
scenic resources in the region while at the same time promoting a 
quality of life based on a strong, healthy economy compatible with the 
region's character.
  The Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor 
Protection Act will go a long way toward accomplishing these important 
goals. I hope my colleagues will join Rep. Neal and me in support of 
this worthy initiative.




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