SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 10
(By Senators Anderson, Ball, Schoonover, Love, Ross, Sharpe,
Mitchell, hunter, Unger, Bailey and Walker)
Recognizing the designation by the President of the United States
of the New River as an American Heritage River and advocating
the continued support of the New River Initiative Action Plan.
Whereas, By designation of the President of the United States,
the New River has become the fourteenth American Heritage River in
the nation; and
Whereas, By this designation, it is desired to assist the
communities along the banks of the New River with revitalization of
their economies and to preserve their heritage; and
Whereas, It is thought by geologists that the New River is
approximately 320 million years old, making it the second oldest
river in the world and the oldest river on the North American
continent; and
Whereas, The New River is home to a diversity of animal life,
including the Kanawha minnow, the Kanawha darter and a species of
riffle beetle that are found only in the New River. Also making
their home along its banks are hell bender salamanders, ducks,
beavers, turkey, deer, osprey, groundhogs, foxes, muskrats,
opossums, raccoons and numerous species of birds and butterflies
that have long been a part of the heritage and life of the New
River and surrounding communities; and
Whereas, The designation of the New River as an American
Heritage River will provide federal assistance to the river's
communities, agencies and organizations that will implement action
plans for the New River and will promote natural resources, water
quality protection, economic revitalization, cultural and historic
resources, education, businesses and residences along the river's
banks through North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby recognizes the proud designation by the
President of the United States of the New River as an American
Heritage River; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate stands ready to cooperate
with all federal, state and local governmental entities with
respect to activities affecting the New River's Initiative Action
Plan; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to the New River Community Partners.