FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 7, 2003

PRESIDENT SIGNS COLTSVILLE STUDY ACT INTO LAW

WASHINGTON, D.C.- President Bush on Friday signed legislation into law that directs the National Park Service to complete a study exploring the possibility of making the Coltsville area of Hartford part of the National Park system. The Coltsville Study Act requires the National Park Service to make a recommendation on adding the Coltsville property to the system within three years of the bill's enactment. Senators Christopher J. Dodd and Joe Lieberman sponsored the legislation in the Senate, while Congressman John B. Larson sponsored the measure in the House.

"I am delighted that quick movement on the part of Congress and the President has resulted in an important step forward in the effort to save this cultural and historical gem," said Dodd. "This designation will help revitalize and renew the city of Hartford, preserve this vital part of our past for generations to come, and lead our capital city and our state to a better, brighter future."

"Coltsville is the birthplace of Connecticut's - and America's - industrial revolution." Lieberman said. "It stands as a reminder of our state's historic commitment to excellence in manufacturing. With the signing of our bill into law today, we are one step closer to realizing our dream of making Coltsville the National Park it deserves to be."

"I am thrilled that the President signed this legislation into law so quickly, moving the process of bringing Coltsville the historic designation it deserves another step forward," said Larson. "Coltsville is an integral part of Hartford's legacy as well as the history of America's Industrial Revolution. Adding the area to the National Park system would play an important role not only in recognizing Coltsville's contribution to history, but also in revitalizing the area."

At a hearing before the House Resources Committee in April, a representative of the National Park Service testified in support of the Coltsville Study Act, which also has the support of the prestigious National Trust for Historic Preservation. Connecticut currently has only one National Park area, the Weir Farm National Historic Site, which sits on the Ridgefield-Wilton Town Line.

###