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For Immediate Release For Information Contact: PASCRELL, LAUTENBERG TAKE DECISIVE ACTION TOWARD WASHINGTON DC- In a strong bipartisan effort to fully recognize the unique national significance of the Paterson Great Falls, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. and U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg today introduced legislation to establish the Paterson Great Falls National Park. The National Park legislation has drawn broad support from the entire New Jersey Congressional Delegation, the State of New Jersey, a diverse collection of nationally renowned scholars, historians and preservationists, leading New Jersey newspapers and such national media as the New York Times. "I am incredibly proud that the creation of a national park in Paterson is finally within our reach," stated Pascrell. "Paterson is blessed to have such a spectacularly beautiful and historically significant national treasure within its boundaries. I am committed to push this legislation through Congress so that Patersonians and visitors from around the world are empowered to enjoy and appreciate this magnificent site that inspired Alexander Hamilton’s extraordinary economic vision for America. I am hopeful and confident that Congress and the Interior Department will soon acknowledge that some of America's most treasured resources occur naturally in our urban communities, just as they do across our nationally recognized forests, plains, mountain ranges, coastal areas and wetlands." “From parks to rivers, we're fortunate to have so much natural beauty and history in our state - and we need to protect it from development and environmental change," Senator Frank R. Lautenberg said. “The significance of Paterson Great Falls, including its central role in Alexander Hamilton’s vision for America, should be recognized as part of our nation’s history. National Park status will help make that happen.” Although the study's conclusion will undoubtedly note the exceptional natural, cultural and historic significance that characterizes the Great Falls National Historic District, it is the Congress that will make the ultimate determination on including the Historic District in the National Park System. This legislation initiates the Congressional legislative process that would transform the Paterson Historic District into a National Park. By creating partnerships among federal, state and local governments, non-profit organizations, and private donors, the legislation seeks to preserve, enhance, interpret, and promote cultural sites, historic structures, and the natural beauty of the Historic District for the benefit of present and future generations. Specifically, the legislation would create the national park and provide for public participation in its management: * The National Park would encompass about 120 acres and include the Great Falls National Historic District as well as Hinchliffe Stadium, the former home of the New York Black Yankees, which is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. * The Paterson Great Falls National Park Partnership would be established to coordinate the activities of the federal, state, and local authorities and the private sector in the development and implementation of park management. The partnership would consist of 13 members who would be appointed by the Interior Secretary after consultation with State and local officials. * The Paterson Great Falls National Park Advisory Council would be established to represent various groups with interests in the National Park and make recommendations to the Partnership on issues related to the development and implementation of management. The Advisory Council would consist of 15 members appointed by the Interior Secretary after consultation with State and local officials. "The movement to preserve and properly present to the public the Great Falls has support straight across the board. Republicans and Democrats, the public and private sectors, the state government and New Jersey's federal representatives are speaking with one unified voice. Together we have built an ideal foundation of support that promises to benefit Paterson's economy and make New Jersey an increasingly important travel destination. The timing is right and our commitment is steadfast. I am determined to deliver Paterson the National Park that it has long deserved," concluded Pascrell. On September 11, 2006, Governor Jon S. Corzine strongly supported the Great Falls National Park designation in a letter to Secretary of the Interior, Dirk Kempthorne. In his letter, Governor Corzine, wrote, "The planned state park (in Paterson) is not a substitute for a national park in Paterson. The State of New Jersey alone cannot preserve and protect the Great Falls National Historic District and properly present it to the public without a National Park Service unit in Paterson." Partnerships between the Federal and State governments represent the future of the National Park Service. Paterson would have both a State Park and a National Park much like such national/state parks as Redwood in California and Lowell in Massachusetts. ###
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