[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000-2001, Book III)]
[January 19, 2001]
[Page 2957]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



 Statement on the American Heritage Rivers Initiative
 January 19, 2001

     Today my administration transmitted to the Congress the ``Progress 
Report of the American Heritage Rivers Interagency Committee and Task 
Force.'' The successes of the American Heritage Rivers initiative, 
detailed in this report, are a tribute to the efforts of thousands of 
citizens all across America who committed themselves to proving that 
what is good for the environment is also good for the economy, and to 
making their communities better places in which to live, work, and do 
business.
     When I traveled to North Carolina in July 1998 to designate 14 
rivers across the country as American Heritage Rivers, I was optimistic 
about the prospects for restoring these waterways and reinvigorating the 
communities they help sustain. Since that time, this initiative has 
helped steer hundreds of millions of dollars in Federal assistance to 
these communities to revitalize riverfronts, restore precious habitat, 
preserve cultural and historic resources, save open space, create 
recreational opportunities, and spur economic growth.
     At the same time, this initiative has helped forge new partnerships 
between citizens, businesses, grassroots organizations, and local, 
State, and Federal agencies. And it has helped demonstrate how the 
Federal Government can work as a good neighbor in support of local 
communities, helping them realize their own visions for their rivers and 
their future.
     I want to thank the many Members of Congress who supported this 
initiative, including the late Senator John Chafee; his son, Senator 
Lincoln Chafee; Senators Mary 
Landrieu, Carl Levin, and John Kerry; and 
Representatives Paul Kanjorski, Sue 
Kelly, Corrine Brown 
and William Jefferson. Three years 
after I announced it, the American Heritage Rivers initiative is a 
strong community-driven effort with broad and increasingly bipartisan 
support.
     I urge Congress and the incoming administration to build upon the 
great strides made in just the last few years by acting on several 
recommendations contained in this report. Building on this record of 
progress will enable communities across the country to continue their 
efforts to bring new vitality to rivers that are truly the lifeblood of 
our Nation.