Great Falls National Park Legislation Moves Forward

Legislation sponsored by Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ8) has moved forward in the House that would establish the Great Falls National Park. I would love to see this happen, as it is one of the great natural landmarks in Northern New Jersey, and it would open up economic opportunities for the City of Paterson.

It is now on the calendar for the House to consider.

This is by no means a done deal, but here's what the Great Falls National Park would entail:

Specifically, the legislation would create the national park and provide for public participation in its management:

* The National Park would encompass about 109 acres and include the Great Falls National Historic District.

* The Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park Commission would be created to assist and advise the Secretary of Interior Department in the development and implementation of the general management plan for the park.

Membership on the Commission would consist of nine members appointed by the Secretary of the Interior Department

· Four members would be nominated by the Governor of the State of New Jersey

· Two members would be nominated by the City Council of Paterson

· One member would be nominated by the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders

· Two members shall be qualified to serve on the Commission because of their familiarity with national parks and historic preservation.

Members of the Commission will serve three year terms free of pay.

The Natural Resources Committee will now report the Paterson Great Falls Act to the full House of Representatives where it will be considered for a vote on the House floor.

Senators Lautenberg and Menendez are both sponsoring the Senate version. The Senate version is still in Committee.