House Approves Chafee Bill to Reauthorize Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor

House approves Chafee bill to reauthorize Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor

The House of Representatives has approved legislation, introduced by Senator Chafee, calling for the reauthorization of the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor for five more years. The John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Reauthorization Act of 2005 is strongly supported by local leaders such as Governor Donald Carcieri and Dr. Michael Sullivan, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM). The bill to reauthorize now heads to the Senate for approval.

"This great news for the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor," said Senator Chafee. "If the bill is approved, the Blackstone Heritage Corridor will continue to be an excellent source of tourism and historical education. It will enable the completion of the Blackstone Bikeway, a 46 mile bike path which provides exercise and enjoyment to our citizens. Finally, it will allow for the continued clean up of the Blackstone River and protection of its watershed."

Chafee continued: "For nearly twenty years, the Blackstone Valley Corridor Commission has worked with the National Park Service to clean up, revitalize, and preserve this historic land. It is my hope that this legislation will swiftly pass the Senate so the progress of the Corridor will continue."

http://www.chafeeforsenate.com/vw_news.aspx?id=312