Rep. COurtney's 'Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act' Passes House of Representatives

Press Release

Rep. Courtney's ‘Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act' Passes House of Representatives

Congressman Joe Courtney announced today that the House of Representatives has passed his bill, H.R. 986, the Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act, with a bipartisan majority and the support of the entire Connecticut Congressional delegation. The final vote was 253-172.

"The passage of this bill is the culmination of years of advocacy by the local communities surrounding the Eightmile River," stated Congressman Joe Courtney. "Environmental conservation is a crucial component to protecting the quality of life of eastern Connecticut and this sends a signal that preserving the environment will be a top priority of my agenda. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to ensure passage of this bill that has garnered such widespread support."

"I would like to commend Congressman Courtney for his diligence in getting this bill passed. The support for this bill locally and across the state of Connecticut speaks volumes about its importance and I'm pleased to see it finally pass the House," stated Democratic Caucus Vice-Chairman Representative John Larson (CT-01).

"I am grateful for the work of the Connecticut House delegation to bring this bill back to the floor for a vote, and for the years of hard work by local citizens, elected officials and organizations to protect this important river and its intact watershed. The Eightmile River is a worthy addition to the Wild and Scenic Rivers system, and should be preserved for recreational enjoyment for future generations of Connecticut residents," stated Congressman Chris Shays (CT-04).

"Many people have invested so much time in this process over the last several years, to see Wild & Scenic designation happen is a testament not only to this incredible river, but also to the hard work and dedication of those people," said Nathan Frohling, Eightmile Wild & Scenic Coordinating Committee Vice-chair and The Nature Conservancy's Lower Connecticut River program director.

"This region of Connecticut is filled with history and blessed with beautiful scenery," said Lise Hanners, state director of The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut. "That history now includes an act of Congress recognizing one of the region's gems, the Eightmile River, as an outstanding national example of a river of its type and one with a deep connection to the people who live on and near it."

"By fighting to get the Eightmile Watershed protected by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, Congressman Courtney is giving an incredible gift to not just this generation of Connecticut residents, but for generations to come," says American Rivers' President Rebecca Wodder. "I hope that Senators Dodd and Lieberman push with the same zeal that Congressman Courtney has, to get their companion legislation passed."

Courtney's bill designates segments of the Eightmile River and its tributaries for inclusion in the National Park Service's Wild & Scenic Rivers System. This designation will not only aid in the preservation of the natural resource, but also make the river eligible for federal funding and grant opportunities in future preservation efforts. Companion legislation has been offered in the United States Senate by Senator Chris Dodd with the support of Senator Joe Lieberman.

Designation of the river as a part of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System has been an ongoing effort by the Towns of East Haddam, Lyme, and Salem, with the support of the state legislature and Governor's office.

Source