Would lead to federal investment, protect local environment

The U.S. House tonight unanimously passed a bill written by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree that could lead to a new federal designation and federal investment in the York River. The bill—the York River Wild and Scenic River Study Act—would create a multi-year study to determine if the river could be included in the National Park Service's Wild and Scenic River program. Being included in the program would bring attention, tourism and federal funding to the river to protect it's resources and stimulate the local economy.

Speaking on the House floor tonight, Pingree said federal designation would protect the river and the economy it supports.
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"The most important factor is that many of the hardworking people in this part of the state depend on the York River to support their jobs. The York River is a place where people go to work.”

Pingree’s bill calls for a multi-year study of the York River. The study, in conjunction with community input, would determine if the river is eligible for designation as a Wild and Scenic Partnership River by the National Park Service.

The House unanimously passed Pingree's bill in 2012, but because the Senate failed to take it up, Pingree had to resubmit the bill again last year. This time, Senator Angus King has introduced a similar piece of legislation in the Senate.

If, based on the study and community support, the York River is designated as a Wild and Scenic Partnership River, it makes it more likely that federal funding will come to the area for activities like preserving and restoring fish and wildlife habitat, for example.

The study would find whether the river merits one of the designations under the Wild and Scenic River program: wild, scenic, or recreational. Then community members would be able to offer their input on whether the designation should move forward.

"The study will be an excellent opportunity to really document the value of the York River, while boosting local communities and organizations who already know how special it is and are working to preserve the river," Pingree said.