Washington, DC-Today at the Luzerne County Green Way and Open Space Visioning session Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) responded to President Clinton's State of the Union Message by calling upon the environmental community to come together to clean up the Susquehanna river and to work in partnership to have it named an American Heritage River.

"The Susquehanna River is the lifeblood of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The river represents tremendous opportunities for recreation and economic growth for our communities. In order for the river to reach its full potential it must be cleaned up. By having the Susquehanna named an American Heritage River we will be able to work together to protect the river for the enjoyment of future generations. The President's American Heritage River initiative affords an excellent opportunity to develop and implement a comprehensive environmental and economic development vision for the Susquehanna River," said Congressman Kanjorski.

In Tuesday night's State of the Union address, President Clinton outlined a program to name ten American rivers Heritage Rivers. The program will recognize rivers that enhance citizens' enjoyment and have cultural, economic, recreational and environmental value. By designating a Heritage River, the United States Government will work with local communities in partnership to clean up and protect these important national resources.

"The Wyoming Valley portion of the Susquehanna River provides the largest source of industrial pollution into the Chesapeake Bay. The most polluted part of the river is from Berwick to Pittston. The environmental community must come together now and start working together to clean up the river," said Congressman Kanjorski.

Congressman Kanjorski has been working with the Luzerne County Commissioners to use $2 million from the $14 million appropriated for the inflatable dam for a comprehensive environmental and economic impact study. This study would identify causes of pollution and ways that they can alleviated. The inflatable dam is currently estimated to cost $6 million to construct. The remainder of the funds can be used for improvements to the waterfront of the lake that would be formed between Wilkes-Barre and Kingston. The inflatable dam would lead to the economic revitalization of downtown Wilkes-Barre and Kingston as the area around the waterfronts becomes developed.

"In other cities and in other states riverfronts have provided economic opportunity for the local communities. It is time that we come together to clean up the Susquehanna so that we can take advantage of the river and fully enjoy its majestic beauty," said Congressman Paul Kanjorski.