Nashua River Wild and Scenic River Study Act Press Conference - photo by Carolyn Perkins

Congresswoman Tsongas Announces Passage of the Nashua River Wild and Scenic River Study Act

GROTON – On Monday, January 12, 2015, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas will host an event to celebrate the passage and signing into law of the Nashua River Wild and Scenic River Study Act at the office of the Nashua River Watershed Association in Groton. Tsongas will be joined by local officials and local conservation organizations and advocates.

Congresswoman Tsongas authored and introduced the legislation and shepherded the bill through the legislative process, securing support from the Republican leadership to ensure its passage. The bill was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate in December and signed into law by President Obama.

The Nashua River Wild and Scenic River Study Act will take steps toward protecting the Nashua River, authorizing the National Park Service (NPS) to advance the process for giving the Nashua River and two of its tributaries, the Squannacook and Nissitissit Rivers, a federal protection designation.

The legislation has been endorsed by eight towns through which the Nashua runs in Massachusetts: Lancaster, Harvard, Shirley, Ayer, Groton, Dunstable, Pepperell, and Townsend.

"The history and development of the towns and cities in the 3rd District of Massachusetts has been defined by the many rivers that course through these unique communities. The study initiated by this bill will allow the National Park Service, the Watershed Association, and local governments and stakeholders to work together in forming a plan to protect the Nashua River and ensure that it remains a central part of life and growth in our region," said Congresswoman Tsongas.

Tsongas is a member of the Natural Resources Committee and has worked to preserve and protect the rivers and waterways in the Third Congressional District. She hosts an annual River Day to highlight the importance of the Rivers in the communities she represents and to recognize the organizations, volunteers and different levels of government working together to sustain and preserve the integrity of these resources.