Wilkes-Barre, PA-Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski today hosted Karen Hobbs, Director of President Clinton's American Heritage Rivers Initiative, for a tour of the Susquehanna River. While in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Congressman Kanjorski and Ms. Hobbs will also hold a public meeting at 1:00 PM today at the Educational Conference Center of Luzerne County Community College.

"This morning, Ms. Hobbs has seen first hand why it is so important that the Susquehanna River be named an American Heritage River. By walking along the river's edge and seeing the challenges and opportunities of the river, Ms. Hobbs will be able to bring back to Washington our vision for the Susquehanna," said Congressman Kanjorski.

Congressman Kanjorski led Karen Hobbs on a tour along the Susquehanna River which included a visit to the levees and Kirby Park and a visit was also planned to the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority. In 1986 Congressman Kanjorski helped the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority secure $45 million for a state of the art secondary sewage treatment facility which now returns water to the Susquehanna that is more than 97% clean on average. On the tour, Congressman Kanjorski also showed her areas that need environmental cleanup and talked about his vision for the Susquehanna.

"It was important for the Director of the American Heritage Rivers Initiative to have a first hand look at the Susquehanna to see how well it fits with this important initiative, and I am pleased Ms. Hobbs will be able to answer questions about the program for interested members of the community. Designation of the Susquehanna River as an American Heritage River would be a valuable environmental and economic development tool for the community," said Congressman Kanjorski.

The American Heritage Rivers Initiative was announced by President Clinton during his State of the Union Address in February. Congressman Kanjorski was one of only eight Members of Congress to join President Clinton at the White House for the recent signing of the Executive Order establishing the program and setting a December 10th deadline for applications.

The American Heritage Rivers Initiative is designed to highlight rivers that have important cultural, historical, economic and environmental value. The program will assign a "River Navigator" to the chosen communities to help clean up and protect the river as well as create economic development programs and solutions for the communities in the designated watersheds. The program helps better allocate federal expertise, grants and resources but does not cost any additional taxpayer dollars.

"This program works in conjunction with local economic development and environmental cleanup efforts for the Susquehanna. By seeking this important designation, we will be able to garner the financial support and the expertise to return the Susquehanna back to being a valuable resource for our area," said Congressman Kanjorski.