Christopher Shays: “I rise in support of H.R. 986, the Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act, which would add the Eightmile River to the Wild…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 986, the Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act, which would add the Eightmile River to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This legislation has overwhelming bipartisan support from the National Park Service, the bipartisan Connecticut House delegation, the Republican Governor of Connecticut, the Attorney General of Connecticut, the three local mayors, and the State legislature, which passed a resolution in support of Wild and Scenic designation. Concerns have been raised that H.R. 986, the Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act, would allow land condemnations within the Eightmile River corridor. This is not the case. The bill prohibits eminent domain, condemnation or any takings. H.R. 986 also explicitly states: 'The authority of the Secretary to acquire lands for the purposes of this Act shall be limited to acquisition by donation or acquisition with the consent of the owner thereof, and shall be subject to the additional criteria set forth in the Eightmile River Watershed Management Plan.' This prohibits condemnations regardless of how local zoning laws apply. The Eightmile River is a worthy addition to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. I strongly urge passage of H.R. 986.”