S435NOV17

TheWeekInCongress.com

Week Ending November 17, 2006

S.435 A bill to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a segment of the Farmington River and Salmon Brook in the State of Connecticut for study for potential addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes.

BRIEF

The bill would authorize a study to determine the feasibility of whether the lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook qualify for designation as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

The lower Farmington flows for 40 miles from Canton to the Connecticut River in Windsor. The bill justification builds on the success of designating 14 miles of the Farmington River West Branch in 1994. According to the report accompanying the bill that effort has conserved the area as a home to trout, river otter, and bald eagles. The river is used by hikers, canoeists, fishermen and kayakers. Property values are reportedly increased along the river as a result of the designation.

Sponsor: Senator Christopher J. Dodd (CT)

Vote: Passed Senate by Unanimous Consent December 16, 2005. Passed House by voice vote November 13, 2006

Cost to the taxpayers: “CBO estimates that implementing S. 435 would cost about $200,000 over the next 3 years, assuming the availability of appropriated funds.”