[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 135 (Friday, September 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1453]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE ANACOSTIA WATERSHED SOCIETY ON ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2014

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, the Anacostia Watershed Society, a nonprofit 
organization based in Maryland and Washington, DC tasked with restoring 
the Anacostia River for the health and enjoyment of its watershed 
communities, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Since its 
founding, it has been cleaning the water, recovering the shores, and 
honoring the heritage of the Anacostia River for the benefit of all who 
live in its watershed and for visitors.
  Founded in 1989 by Robert Boone, the Anacostia Watershed Society 
overcame early challenges as it sought to raise awareness of the 
deteriorating health of the river and its watershed after nearly two 
hundred years of urban settlement and industrial activity. Mr. Boone 
worked with local activists and attorneys to take steps to turn the 
situation around by working to relocate plans to build a new football 
stadium away from the river, to stop the Navy Yard from dumping toxic 
waste into the water, and to end the flow of sewage into the river--a 
project that will be completed in 2022 with the opening of underground 
tunnels built to capture and treat sewage overflows.
  During this time, Mr. Boone and program manager Jim Connolly were 
also working to raise consciousness in the local community about the 
river. Mr. Boone and Mr. Connolly hosted trash clean-ups, tree 
plantings, and numerous public events to get Marylanders and 
Washingtonians engaged with the river and to promote it as a source of 
outdoor recreation. The programs and events they developed in the early 
days of the Anacostia Watershed Society set the stage for the many 
important activities the organization undertakes today.
  Over the next twenty-five years, the Anacostia Watershed Society grew 
to become a powerful advocate for the river, its watershed, and the 
communities it benefits. The organization has expanded to include four 
departments essential to its success: Stewardship, Education, Advocacy, 
and Recreation. The Anacostia Watershed Society engages local residents 
of all ages in the cleanup and restoration of the river while involving 
the community in advocating for policies to reduce and regulate the 
pollutants entering its waters.
  I have been proud to serve as an advocate for the Anacostia and its 
watershed throughout my time in Congress. My first association with the 
Anacostia Watershed Society was as a cosponsor of an Earth Day boat 
tour of the river, aimed at gaining attention in Congress for the 
Society's advocacy efforts. Later, I was proud to work in Congress to 
promote policies authorizing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help 
restore the Anacostia. Throughout my involvement with the Anacostia 
Watershed Society, I have met many engaged and energized local 
activists who are deeply concerned about the future not only of the 
river but of our region as a sustainable place to raise healthy 
families.
  The Anacostia Watershed Society's vision for the future includes a 
river that is fishable and swimmable--as per the Clean Water Act--and 
serves as an urban oasis and destination for those in Maryland, 
Washington, DC, and visitors from around the country. I congratulate 
its members on twenty-five years of service to the communities of our 
region, and I look forward to continue to work with them to advance the 
Society's mission for many years to come.

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