On the recordApril 17, 2012
I rise today to introduce the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic River Act. I first would like to thank my colleague, Senator Blumenthal, for joining me as a cosponsor of this legislation, and also wish to thank Congressman Chris Murphy, who recently introduced an identical bill in the House. My work to preserve and protect the Farmington River dates back many years, and holds a special place in my heart. In 1993 and 1994, in my first term in office, I worked with Congresswoman Nancy Johnson to introduce and pass legislation that added 14 miles of the Upper Farmington River, or the west branch of the river, to the National Wild and Scenic River System, becoming Connecticut's first addition to the system. In 2006, I again had the privilege of working with Rep. Johnson and Sen. Chris Dodd to introduce and pass the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic River Study Act, which authorized a study of the Lower Farmington, or the east branch of the river. Now complete, the study found that the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook possess outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values. I am honored to return to the Senate floor today to introduce this legislation, which would add the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System in order to preserve the extraordinary ecological and recreational values it brings to our state.…
