HOUSE OF REPS APPROVES PATERSON GREAT FALLS NATIONAL PARK LEGISLATION ADVANCES TO PRESIDENT'S DESK

HOUSE OF REPS APPROVES PATERSON GREAT FALLS NATIONAL PARK LEGISLATION ADVANCES TO PRESIDENT'S DESK

WASHINGTON--U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) and U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today praised Congressional approval of legislation that would designate about 35 acres of the Paterson Great Falls Historic District as a new unit of the National Park System. 

The Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park Act was approved as part of the Omnibus Public Lands Act by a vote of 285-140, clearing the park's final hurdle in Congress and advancing it to President Obama's desk where it is expected to be signed as early as next week. 

"We have finally done it.  Beginning today, Paterson, New Jersey will finally be fully recognized for the seminal role it has played in shaping American history.  The approval of this national park by Congress clears the way for President Obama's signature and marks an historic moment for the city of Paterson and the state of New Jersey.  The establishment of this unique urban national park signals a new beginning for the American cities that have been neglected by the previous administration.  It represents a new opportunity for Paterson to embrace its history, grow its economy and become a safer, stronger community," stated Rep. Pascrell. 

"The Great Falls in Paterson is a landmark that deserves recognition as a national historic park.  Giving the Great Falls this designation would go a long way toward recognizing the beauty and history of the site and helping preserve it for future generations," Sen. Lautenberg said.

"We in New Jersey already know that the Great Falls Park is one of our state's treasures, but it is also a national treasure and should be designated as such. Not only are the falls stunningly picturesque, but the park is a powerful representation of Alexander Hamilton's unique vision of America come true.  No other site in the nation more richly represents the remarkable transformation of our rural agrarian society based in slavery into a modern global economy based in freedom.  It is important to make sure these natural and historic resources are preserved for generations to come. I was proud to work toward this goal in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and am thrilled that we are nearing the day when this will be a reality,"  Senator Menendez said. 

The Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park will cover about 35 acres of the Great Falls Historic District including the upper, middle and lower raceways, a portion of Upper Raceway Park, the Ivanhoe Wheelhouse, the Society for Establishing Useful Manufacturers Gatehouse, Overlook Park and the S.U.M Hydroelectric Plan, Allied Textile Printing including the Colt Gun Mill ruins, Mallory Ruins, Waverly Mill Ruins and Todd Mill Ruins, the Rogers Locomotive Company Erecting Shop, the Paterson Museum and the Great Falls Visitor Center. 

Accounting for historic features that surround the district, the legislation requires that the Interior Department conduct a study regarding the preservation and interpretation of Hinchliffe Stadium.  The study will consider listing the stadium as a National Historic Landmark and consider options for maintaining the stadiums historic integrity.

In order to ensure the park is managed from the most local perspective, the legislation creates the Great Falls National Historical Park Advisory Commission to advise the Interior Secretary in the development, implementation and management of the park.  The Commission will be made up of 9 members appointed by the Interior Secretary with recommendations from New Jersey's Governor, the Paterson City Council and the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders.  Commissioners will serve three year terms free of compensation.

Rep. Pascrell brought the Great Falls National Park initiative to Congress in 2001 when the House approved legislation that directed the Secretary of the Interior Department to study the suitability of designating the Great Falls Historic District as part of the national park system.  The NPS study which was completed in 2006 noted the exceptional natural, cultural and historic significance of the Great Falls National Historic District, prompting Congress to begin advancing the Great Falls National Historical Park Act.

The National Park System includes 391 diverse units administered by the National Park Service (NPS) of the Department of the Interior. Units generally are added to the National Park System by act of Congress, although the President may proclaim national monuments on land that is federally managed for inclusion in the system. Before enacting a law to add a unit, Congress might first enact a law requiring the NPS to study an area, typically to assess its national significance, suitability and feasibility, and other management options.  As of December 31, 2007, the National Park System encompassed 84.3 million acres of land.

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