Redesignation of Paterson Great Falls Nhp Facilities

Floor Speech

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Ms. POU. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding to me.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 249, a bill to redesignate parts of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in honor of the late Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr.

I thank my friend and fellow New Jerseyan, Congressman Frank Pallone, for leading this effort. I am a proud original cosponsor of this important measure to honor the legacy of one of Paterson's greatest sons, Congressman Pascrell.

Congressman Pascrell was my dear friend and a mentor to me. He was known throughout our State for his closely held convictions. He spoke up and spoke out for what he believed in, and he never ever backed down from a fight.

Many years ago, Bill had a vision for the Great Falls. He knew that, with adequate Federal resources and funding, the Great Falls could be an anchor for Paterson's rebirth and revitalization.

Once he arrived in Washington, he rolled up his sleeves and got to work.

Bill fought relentlessly to secure the designation of the Great Falls as a National Historic Park in 2009. When it was signed into law by President Obama, it was a proud day for our city and our entire State.

This designation unlocked a flood of new rehabilitation and expansion projects that have transformed the Great Falls into a hub for tourism and recreation.

This includes the expansion of the park's boundaries to encompass the historic Hinchliffe Stadium. The Great Falls is the crown jewel of our great city. After Niagara Falls, by volume, it is the largest set of waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come from all over the world to be inspired by the beauty of its roaring water.

Additionally, our Great Falls are unique as both a historical and national landmark. Alexander Hamilton used the power of the falls to help start the industrial revolution right in the heart of Paterson, New Jersey.

Overlook Park is the center of our national park. This part of the district is where you get the classic view of our famous falls. The pedestrian bridge is another favorite part of the park, a place where you can get a topside view of the falls and can physically feel its majesty, along with the mists from the mighty Passaic River.

Mr. Speaker, with the passage of this measure into law to rename these two locations, Bill Pascrell's tireless advocacy will be rightfully remembered by generations of Patersonians. As a proud Patersonian, let me just say, I urge all my colleagues to support the passage of this measure.

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