[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 1261-1262]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




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

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. FRANK A. LoBIONDO

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 1, 2005

  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 in 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

[[Page 1262]]

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 additional funding over 2 years 
to continue the work begun 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.

                          ____________________