[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 8, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S69-S70]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. REED (for himself, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Blumenthal, and Mr. 
        Murphy):
  S. 45. A bill to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate 
certain river segments within the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed as 
components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other 
purposes; to the

[[Page S70]]

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. REED. Mr. President, today I am once again introducing, along 
with my colleagues Senator Whitehouse, Senator Blumenthal, and Senator 
Murphy, legislation to designate river segments within the Wood-
Pawcatuck watershed as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers 
System.
  Following more than three years of intense study, this legislation 
would formally recognize the recreational, natural, and historical 
qualities of portions of the Beaver, Chipuxet, Green Fall-Ashaway, 
Pawcatuck, Queen-Usquepaugh, Shunock, and Wood Rivers that flow through 
Rhode Island and Connecticut while providing access to Federal 
resources and promoting strong partnerships for their restoration and 
protection.
  The Wood-Pawcatuck watershed is a National treasure that not only 
holds natural and scenic value, but also is an important economic 
driver for the area. Indeed, the 12 local river communities experience 
direct economic benefits from their proximity to these rivers through 
increased recreation and tourism. The watershed provides many 
opportunities for visitors to explore history and experience nature, 
including viewing early industrial mill ruins, trout fishing, bird 
watching, and kayaking.
  I have long been a supporter of protecting and restoring these 
special rivers, which is why I sponsored the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed 
Protection Act in 2013. The process that was initiated by that law has 
been a critical tool for bringing together stakeholders from Rhode 
Island and Connecticut including representatives from State agencies, 
local governments, and conservation groups in order to develop a 
collaborative path forward. The resulting Stewardship Plan, which has 
been formally adopted by the study committee and is supported by all 
twelve local river communities, builds upon currently existing efforts 
to preserve and manage the river ecosystems while also considering what 
steps will need to be taken collectively in the future in order to 
protect them.
  I would like to commend Representatives Langevin, Cicilline, and 
Courtney for again introducing companion legislation. In October 2018 
we commemorated the 50th anniversary of the landmark Wild and Scenic 
Rivers Act, and I am proud that after all these years we are continuing 
our work to protect such extraordinary places. I look forward to 
working with all of my colleagues to pass this legislation so that we 
can preserve the rivers of the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed for the 
enjoyment of current and future generations.

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