Bruce F. Vento: “Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2815 is a bill introduced by Representative Johnson of Connecticut and cosponsored by the entire…”

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2815 is a bill introduced by Representative Johnson of Connecticut and cosponsored by the entire delegation from that State, including our colleague on the Natural Resources Committee, Mr. Gejdenson. It deals with a segment of the Farmington River, in Connecticut required by earlier legislation to be studied for possible inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The study determined that the segment is indeed eligible and suitable for designation as a component of that System. The bill would provide such a designation, and would lay the foundation for appropriate management through cooperative agreements between the National Park Service, the State of Connecticut, relevant local governments, and the other parties who have participated in the study and in developing a comprehensive management plan for the affected area. The Natural Resources Committee amended the bill to make it more closely conform with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and with the normal provisions that have been included in other similar bills, but the version before the House retains the most important provisions of the bill as introduced.”