[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 26, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S10190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. LAUTENBERG (for himself and Mr. Menendez):
  S. 3942. A bill to establish the Paterson Great Falls National Park 
in the State of New Jersey, and for other purposes; to the Committee on 
Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I rise today with great pride to 
introduce legislation which would create a national park in my 
hometown, Paterson, NJ. The Paterson Great Falls National Park Act of 
2006 would bring long-deserved recognition and accessibility to one of 
our Nation's most beautiful and historic landmarks. I am pleased that 
my colleague from New Jersey, Senator Menendez, is cosponsoring this 
legislation.
  The Great Falls are located where the Passaic River drops nearly 80 
feet straight down, on its course towards New York Harbor. It is one of 
the tallest and most spectacular waterfalls on the east coast, but the 
incredible natural beauty of the falls should not overshadow its 
tremendous importance as the powerhouse of industry in New Jersey and 
the infant United States. Indeed, in 1778, Alexander Hamilton visited 
the Great Falls and immediately realized the potential of the falls for 
industrial applications and development. Hamilton was instrumental in 
creating the planned community in Paterson--the first of its kind 
nationwide--centered on the Great Falls, and industry thrived on the 
power generated by the falls. Rogers Locomotive Works, the premier 
steam locomotive manufacturer of the 19th century, was located in the 
shadow of the falls, as were many other vitally important manufacturing 
enterprises.
  President Ford recognized the importance of the area by declaring the 
falls and its surroundings a ``National Historic Landmark'' in 1976; he 
called the falls ``a symbol of the industrial might which helps to make 
the United States the most powerful nation in the world.'' Now, it is 
time that we recognize the importance of this historic area by making 
it New Jersey's first national park. This would be of special 
importance because so few of our national parks are in urban areas. I 
believe that it is time we acknowledge that many of our most 
significant national treasures are located in densely populated areas.
  Mr. President, I grew up in Paterson, and I have appreciated the 
majesty and beauty of the Great Falls for many years. By creating a 
national park in Paterson, more Americans can be exposed to the 
exceptional cultural, natural, and historic significance of the Great 
Falls, and that is why I will passionately advocate for the passage of 
this bill. I have been delighted to work with my good friend, 
Congressman Bill Pascrell--another longtime resident of Paterson--on 
this issue and with a bipartisan group of lawmakers from my home State, 
all of whom believe strongly in this cause. I urge my colleagues to 
support the passage of this legislation, which is so important to New 
Jersey and all of America.
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