[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 112 (Friday, August 3, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S8933]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire (for himself, Mr. Gregg, Mr. Leahy, 
        and Mr. Jeffords):
  S. 1363. A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide 
assistance in implementing cultural heritage, conservation, and 
recreational activities in the Connecticut River watershed of the 
States of New Hampshire and Vermont; to the Committee on Energy and 
Natural Resources.
  Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce 
the Upper Connecticut River Partnership Act of 2001. This legislation 
is a truly locally-led initiative. I believe it will result in great 
environmental benefits for the Connecticut River.
  The Connecticut River forms the border to New Hampshire and Vermont 
and provides for a great deal of recreational and tourism opportunities 
for residents of both States. This legislation takes a major step 
forward in making sure this River continues to thrive as a treasured 
resource.
  To understand just how significant this legislation is, I would like 
to share with my colleagues some history about the Connecticut River 
program. In 1987-88, New Hampshire and Vermont each created a 
commission to address environmental issues facing the Connecticut river 
valley. The commissions were established to coordinate water quality 
and various other environmental efforts along the Connecticut river 
valley. The two commissions came together in 1990 to form the 
Connecticut River Joint Commission. The Joint Commission has no 
regulatory authority, but carries out cooperative education and 
advisory activities.
  To further the local influence of the Commission, the Connecticut 
River Joint Commission established five advisory bi-state local river 
subcommittees comprised of representatives nominated by the governing 
body of their municipalities. These advisory groups developed a 
Connecticut River Corridor Management Plan. A major portion of the plan 
focuses on channeling federal funds to local communities to implement 
water quality programs, nonpoint source pollution controls and other 
environmental projects. Over the last ten years, the Connecticut River 
Joint Commission has fostered widespread participation and laid a 
strong foundation of community and citizen involvement.
  As a Senator from New Hampshire and the ranking Republican of the 
Environment and Public Works Committee, as well as someone who enjoys 
the beauty of the Connecticut River, I am proud to be the principal 
author and cosponsor of this locally led, voluntary effort that 
accomplishes real environmental progress. Too often we depend on 
bureaucratic federal regulatory programs to accomplish environmental 
success. This bill takes a different approach and one that I bet will 
achieve greater results on the ground. I hope that other communities 
and neighboring states will look at this model as an example of how to 
develop and implement true voluntary, on the ground, locally-led 
environmental programs.
  I want to thank my colleague from New Hampshire, Senator Gregg, and 
the two distinguished Senators of Vermont, Senators Leahy and Jeffords, 
for joining me as original cosponsors to this legislation. I look 
forward to working with them as we move this important legislation 
through the Senate.
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