Frank Lautenberg: “I also care about title XXVI, which recognizes the historic significance and natural beauty of the Great Falls area of…”

“I also care about title XXVI, which recognizes the historic significance and natural beauty of the Great Falls area of Paterson, NJ. Paterson is my home town. The history of the region was part of my childhood. In 1778, Alexander Hamilton came to the area and decided that the Great Falls could serve as a power source for the Nation's first industrialized community. Working with Pierre L'Enfant and then Governor William Paterson, Hamilton began to develop the resources as a means to free the Nation from England through business and manufacturing. Over the years, Paterson became known as the Silk City, and as the center of the textile industry. During the past decades, however, the Great Falls historic preserve has borne the brunt of industrial flight and the treasures at the Great Falls are threatened. This bill would allow for the partnership of the National Park Service to assist in restoring the treasures and history of the area. The Senate passed this bill last Congress. The bill deserves to be passed on its own, rather than as part of an omnibus park land bill that will be vetoed.”