{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/congress-approves-wood-pawcatuck-watershed-protection-act", "Congress Approves Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Protection Act", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/12/2014\u00a0\u2014\u00a0WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Rhode Island\u2019s Beaver, Chipuxet, Pawcatuck, Queen, and Wood rivers and their watershed are closer to permanent federal protection today, thanks to a legislative initiative included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\u00a0\r\nAuthored by Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-RI) in the U.S. House of Representatives, with companion legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) in the U.S. Senate, the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Protection Act paves the way for the Pawcatuck River and other South County and Southeast Connecticut waterways to receive federal funds and protections under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.\r\n\u201cAfter House passage last week, I am thrilled that Senator Reed saw this effort through to the finish line on the Senate side. This legislation has been a long time coming, and its passage finally recognizes the important role these waterways play in the Rhode Island and Connecticut economies,\u201d said Congressman Langevin, who first introduced the legislation in 2010. \u201cWe must preserve the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed for the sake of our tourism, fishing and recreation industries, and extending the protections provided by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to this area would ensure the long-term health of this important natural resource.\u201d\r\nThe legislation mandates a study on the rivers contained within the 300 square mile Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed in Rhode Island and Connecticut to determine if any portions are appropriate for classification under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.\u00a0 A Wild and Scenic designation would make federal resources available to preserve and protect these rivers. The legislation is supported by the State of Rhode Island\u2019s Department of Environmental Management, the State of Connecticut\u2019s Department of Environmental Protection, the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association, the Nature Conservancy and Save the Bay.\r\n\u201cCongressman Langevin is an environmental champion who knows how important clean, healthy rivers are to Rhode Island\u2019s economy and our quality of life.\u00a0 I commend Congressman Langevin for his leadership and tireless efforts to get this study done and bring us another step closer to including segments of the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed for potential inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.\u00a0 This initiative could help develop a collaborative river management plan to address issues ranging from fish passages to the restoration of wetlands to assistance with flood mitigation,\u201d said Senator Reed, the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior & Environment.\r\n\u201cPursuing a Wild and Scenic designation was the catalyst for the creation of the Wood Pawcatuck Watershed Association (WPWA) in the early 1980\u2019s,\u201d said Christopher J. Fox, WPWA Executive Director.\u00a0 \u201cI am very pleased that progress toward obtaining this designation has finally been achieved and I am proud of our staff, partners, and the Rhode Island and Connecticut Congressional delegation\u2019s tireless efforts to reach this milestone.\u00a0 I am most thankful to Congressman Langevin and Courtney for their drafting and sponsorship of the Wood Pawcatuck Protection Act and to Senators Reed and Whitehouse who worked diligently to assure passage in the Senate this year.\u00a0 The passage of this Act provides protection for rivers that generate significant tourism and recreation revenue for the States of Rhode Island and Connecticut.\u00a0\u00a0 A Wild and Scenic designation further supports the ongoing revitalization of the Pawcatuck River and its tributaries as a prime destination for migratory fish.\u00a0 I feel extremely fortunate to have a hand in facilitating the river\u2019s transformation from primarily serving industry, to evenly serving the people and the wildlife that rely on them.\u201d\r\nThe bill was approved in the House on December 4 and cleared the U.S. Senate today.\u00a0 The bill now goes to the President to be signed into law.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/congress-approves-wood-pawcatuck-watershed-protection-act"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.7438298091292381, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}