[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 98 (Thursday, July 15, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8232-S8233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. DODD (for himself and Mr. Lieberman):
  S. 2663. A bill to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate 
a segment to the Farmington River and Salmon Brook in the State of 
Connecticut for study for potential addition to the National Wild and 
Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes; to the Committee on 
Energy and Natural Resources.

[[Page S8233]]

  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, today I join with my colleague Senator 
Lieberman in introducing the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook 
Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2004. I am pleased that 
Representative Johnson of Connecticut introduced companion legislation 
in the House of Representatives.
  The Lower Farmington River is a 40-mile stretch between the 
Collinsville Dam in Burlington and the Rainbow Dam in Windsor. The 
flood plains on either side of the river support large amphibian, bird, 
insect, and reptile populations, with many species that are on the 
State of Connecticut's list of endangered, threatened and special 
concern species. Biologists have stated that sections of this stretch 
of river have regionally and possibly globally significant plant 
communities, making the river one of the most thriving and diverse 
ecosystems in Connecticut.
  The river is also significant for its cultural heritage. Numerous 
Tunxis and River Indian tribe archaeological sites are located 
throughout the flood plain. During the 18th and 19th centuries the 
river was used extensively as a conduit for commerce and many towns 
along the river flourished due to complex mill and canal systems 
associated with the river.
  Besides environmental and historical benefits, the Lower Farmington 
River provides excellent opportunities for recreation including 
canoeing, kayaking, and rowing. The river also passes through the 
Tariffville Gorge, which is unique in Southern New England, in that it 
supports Class II-IV whitewater kayaking twelve months a year and has 
hosted the Olympic trials.
  However, the Farmington River is beginning to show evidence of 
declining water quality. Designation as a Wild and Scenic River would 
ensure that the river and surrounding watershed are protected under a 
locally controlled river management plan, which works to preserve a 
river's natural and significant resources.
  I am confident of the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook's 
significance and community support. The Connecticut towns of 
Farmington, Simsbury, Bloomfield, Burlington, Canton, Avon, East 
Granby, and Windsor have joined with the Farmington River Watershed 
Association in requesting designation as a Wild and Scenic River. 
Property owners along the river support designation in order to 
preserve this natural resource that flows by and near their property. 
Connecticut is a small state, at just over 5,500 square miles, and is 
densely populated. Our citizens are committed to balancing conservation 
and growth. That is why this designation is so important. While the 
state and local groups have done exceptional work so far, this 
designation would bring in Federal technical assistance and foster 
coordination among the many concerned groups.
  In 1994, a 14-mile stretch of the Upper Farmington River was 
designated as a Wild and Scenic River and it has been a remarkable 
success story. Representatives of the five affected towns meet 
regularly with Federal, State and local organizations to implement a 
river management plan that all parties adopted. Our legislation 
proposes to study the feasibility of designating the lower section of 
the Farmington River and the Salmon Brook as part of the Act. The Wild 
and Scenic River Program has been a successful public and private 
partnership to preserve certain select rivers in a free flowing state 
and the Lower Farmington River and the Salmon Brook are significant 
natural resources.
  I urge my colleagues to support this worthy legislation and I ask 
unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                S. 2663

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Lower Farmington River and 
     Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2004''.

     SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF ADDITIONAL SEGMENT OF FARMINGTON RIVER 
                   AND SALMON BROOK IN CONNECTICUT FOR STUDY FOR 
                   POTENTIAL ADDITION TO NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC 
                   RIVERS SYSTEM.

       (a) Designation.--Section 5(a) of the Wild and Scenic 
     Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1276(a)) is amended by adding at the 
     end the following:
       ``(__) Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook, 
     Connecticut.--The segment of the Farmington River downstream 
     from the segment designated as a recreational river by 
     section 3(a)(156) to its confluence with the Connecticut 
     River, and the segment of the Salmon Brook including its 
     mainstream and east and west branches.''.
       (b) Time for Submission.--Not later than 3 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior 
     shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of 
     the study required by the amendment made by subsection (a).
       (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out 
     this Act.
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