[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 10, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1760]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF A BILL TO REAUTHORIZE THE NEW JERSEY COASTAL HERITAGE 
                              TRAIL ROUTE

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                         HON. FRANK A. LoBIONDO

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 10, 2003

  Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail 
incorporates the very best of what the great State of New Jersey has to 
offer the rest of the Nation. Established by Congress in 1988, the 
Trail unifies New Jersey's many scenic points of interest. These points 
of interest include a wealth of environmental, historic, maritime and 
recreational sights found along New Jersey's coastline, stretching 300 
miles from Perth Amboy to the north, Cape May in the extreme southern 
tip of the State and Deepwater to the west.
  The Trail's area includes three National Wildlife Refuges, four 
tributaries of a Wild and Scenic River system, a Civil War fort and 
National cemetery, several lighthouses, historic homes, and other sites 
tied to southern New Jersey's maritime history. Through a network of 
themes and destinations, the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail connects 
people with places of historic, recreational, environmental and 
maritime interest.
  One exciting aspect of the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route is 
its focus on maritime history. There is a rich story to be told about 
the industries once sustained by the Delaware Bay, such as whaling, 
shipbuilding, oystering and crabbing. While we often define our 
Nation's history through military or political milestones, the Trail 
will serve to remind visitors that maritime-dependent commerce was a 
major factor in the growth of the United States.
  ``Eco-tourism'' along the Coastal Heritage Trail has proven to be a 
huge success. There is an abundant variety of natural habitats and 
species to be found on the Trail. Whale and dolphin watching have 
become extremely popular, and bird lovers from throughout the country, 
and in fact around the world, are realizing what Southern New Jersey 
residents have known all along: our region is unmatched for observing 
migratory birds, ospreys and bald eagles.
  Today, I am introducing legislation to reauthorize the New Jersey 
Coastal Heritage Trail Route. This legislation would extend the 
authorization of the Trail to provide an additional $4 million over 5 
years to continue the work began in 1988. It would also initiate a 
Strategic Plan which would explore opportunities to increase 
participation by national and local private and public interests, as 
well as organizational options for sustaining the Trail.
  The New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail has helped New Jersey residents 
develop pride, awareness, experience with, and understanding of our 
coastal resources and its history. This reauthorization will allow the 
Trail to continue and flourish.
  I urge my colleagues in the House to support this legislation.

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