FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 12, 2001

CONGRESS URGES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR TO GIVE PRIORITY TO LARSON'S WASHINGTON/ ROCHAMBEAU ROUTE LAW
Connecticut's Eight Mile River Also Given Priority by Conference Report

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) today announced that the final version of the Interior Appropriations bill passed by the House last night contained language urging the Department of the Interior to prioritize the study of the Washington Rochambeau National Historic Trail. In November of 2000, then-President Clinton signed Larson's legislation into law, the Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Heritage Act, which requires the Interior Department to complete a study of the Route in order to have it established as a national trail. The Interior Appropriations bill also urges the Department to prioritize the Eight Mile River study.

Larson stated: “I am very pleased that this language was included in the final conference report passed by the House. With a priority being placed on the Washington/Rochambeau route, as well as the Eight Mile River, rich pieces of Connecticut's history and environment will be better recognized and preserved. Our state is rich in this history, and it is through preservation and commemoration that we can ensure future generations will not forget the legacy of General Washington and General Rochambeau.”

The language is contained in a “conference report” which the House is expected take up next Wednesday. The Conference Report reads: “The managers urge the program to give priority consideration to the Eight Mile River [and] the Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail…”

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