HR189ICT26

Congress holds that the Great Falls Historic District is where “Alexander Hamilton (after the Revolutionary War) selected to implement his vision of American economic independence and transform a rural agrarian society based on slavery into a global economy based on freedom” The area was primarily a planned industrial center on the Passaic River. The area also was the site of Pierre L’Enfant’s water power system that harnessed the Falls to provide power for manufacturers. The goal of the center was to free the US from reliance on imported goods.

The Secretary of Interior is authorized to enter into a cooperative agreement with owners of properties in the 109 acre district considered natural, historical or of cultural significance within the Park to mark, interpret, restore and provide technical assistance for the preservation of the properties and provide other assistance to include management services.

The agreements will allow the National Park Service right-of-access to the public parts of the properties and to conduct tours. Should the property owners convert or dispose of a project in opposition to the purpose of the agreement (to expand public access and interpretation of the properties) the US has the right to be reimbursed for all funds paid into the properties including increased value of the properties.

Federal funds will be matched with non-federal funds and donations of property and acquisition of property by purchase or exchange are allowed.

The bill also establishes the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park Commission to assist and advise the Secretary in developing and implementing a management plan for the Park. A study is to be completed on the preservation and interpretation of Hinchcliffe Stadium for inclusion as a National Historic Landmark.

Sponsor: Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-8^th)

Vote: Passed House October 23. 2007 256 to 122 RC 983

Cost to the taxpayers: “CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 189 would cost the National Park Service (NPS) $22 million over the 2008-2012 period and $1 million a year thereafter”

Earmark Certification: H.R. 189 does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e) or 9(f) of rule XXI. .

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(a) Findings- Congress finds the following:

(1) The Great Falls Historic District in Paterson, New Jersey, is the site that Alexander Hamilton selected to implement his vision of American economic independence and transform a rural agrarian society based on slavery into a global economy based on freedom.

(2) The Great Falls Historic District was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1976 and President Gerald Ford declared it `a symbol of the industrial might which helps to make America the most powerful nation in the world'.

(3) Section 510 of Public Law 104-333 established the Great Falls Historic District to recognize the contribution to our national heritage of certain historical, cultural, and natural resources of the historic district.

(4) Exceptional natural and cultural resources make the Great Falls Historic District America's only National Historic District that contains both a National Historic Landmark and a National Natural Landmark.

(5) Pierre L'Enfant's water power system at the Great Falls and the buildings erected around it over two centuries constitute the finest and most extensive remaining example of engineering, planning and architectural works that span the entire period of America's growth into an industrial power.

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