Paterson’s Great Falls closing in on national park status
Great Falls image via city-data.com.
The U.S. House today passed a bill that officially turns Paterson’s Great Falls from a state environmental treasure to a national one.
The bill, which awaits President Obama’s signature, designates the 77-foot waterfall the Great Falls National Historical Park. The park would cover about 35 acres in Paterson, according to the Associated Press. The U.S. Senate approved the designation in January.
The area is already a National Historic District and state park. National park status, something the state has long sought, makes the falls eligible for millions in federal funds and would likely bring more visitors.
The Great Falls, a key resource during the American Industrial Revolution, is the second largest waterfall on the East Coast.
The House passed this measure back in 2007, but it was stalled after the Senate failed to act. President Obama is expected to sign it as early as next week, according to the AP.
March 26th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Hey there - - I blogged on this - with pictures - on 9/5/08 - check it out:
http://blog.nj.com/njv_bill_wolfe/2008/09/great_falls_national_historic.html
March 26th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Great news! I have fond memories of visiting them with my Grandfather… and best of all were the hotdogs we’d score prior at the local grille.