James V. Hansen: “Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3498. The Great Falls Historical District in Paterson, NJ, is an area of…”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3498. The Great Falls Historical District in Paterson, NJ, is an area of national historical importance and that is the very reason the area is already designated as a National Historic Landmark District. At the subcommittee hearing on November 16, 1993 the Park Service testimony stated: We recommend against the enactment of either H.R. 1104 or the proposed substitute (H.R. 3498). The National Park Service is already fulfilling an appropriate preservation assistance role in the historic district of Paterson. It is important to point out first that the Great Falls Historic District has already been federally designated. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3498 simply represents a vehicle for channeling even more Federal dollars to this area. As the Park Service testified, we are already spending Federal dollars in this area through the Park Service and they are fulfilling an appropriated preservation role in Paterson. The Park Service simply cannot afford further mandates that will stretch their resources even thinner. I appreciate Chairman Vento's efforts to fix this legislation and I agree with many of his ideas. However, the $3 million authorized for capital projects is excessive and some of the authorities granted the Park Service go too far.”