Washington, DC-Today, Congressman Kanjorski and the Economic Development Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania submitted an application for designation of the Upper Susquehanna-Lackawanna Watershed to become an American Heritage River.

"What has perhaps impressed me the most about the effort to name the Upper Susquehanna-Lackawanna Watershed an American Heritage River is the recognition that our community can accomplish more together than we can accomplish individually. In the past, political boundaries, parochialism, and partisanship have impeded regional cooperation in Northeastern Pennsylvania. This initiative, however, has garnered the support of elected state and local officials who represent more than 90 percent of the watershed's population. Over 130 individuals and groups support this application," said Congressman Kanjorski.

Congressman Kanjorski, who is the leading advocate in Northeastern Pennsylvania for the American Heritage River Initiative, helped facilitate the application process along with the Economic Development Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Since the program was announced during President Clinton's State of the Union Address in February 1997, Congressman Kanjorski has held a series of public meetings on the initiative culminating in the visit of Karen Hobbs, Director of the Initiative, who recently visited Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Susquehanna River to see first hand how our area would be positively impacted by designation as an American Heritage River Community.

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 along the river 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.

Joining Congressman Kanjorski and the EDCNP in seeking designation of the Upper Susquehanna-Lackawanna Watershed for American Heritage River Status are elected officials including Rep. Joseph McDade, Senator Arlen Specter, State Representatives and Senators as well as over 70 local municipalities. Joining governments and elected officials in support of designating the Susquehanna are local newspapers including The Times-Leader, The Citizens' Voice and The Scranton Times.

"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.

Today, December 10th, was the deadline for communities to submit applications.

It is anticipated that President Clinton will announce the first ten American Heritage River Communities on January 27th, 1998 during his State of the Union Address.