Designating the Naugatuck River Valley a National Heritage Area would boost the region’s economy through tourism and preserve its manufacturing history and natural beauty.
That was the word Wednesday during a press conference at the trailhead to the Derby Greenway.
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro joined Derby Mayor Anita Dugatto and Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti to unveil proposed federal legislation that is the first step toward the designation.
DeLauro said the legislation – the Naugatuck River Valley National Heritage Area Study Act – directs the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a study.
What’s a National Heritage Area, you ask?
“National Heritage Areas are designated by Congress as places where natural, cultural, and historic resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally important landscape,” according to the National Park Service’s website.
The land doesn’t become property of the federal government, although Congress has to approve the designation. Click here for more info.
The heritage designation would cover 14 communities along the 39-mile long river, from Torrington south to the lower Naugatuck Valley.
DeLauro said the Valley’s history dates back to Revolutionary War days.
“(The Valley) was a manufacturing powerhouse that made this region the envy of the world, “ she said.
DeLauro commended Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell for his extensive efforts in advocating for the heritage area.
Blumenthal said a heritage area designation by Congress would “commemorate, conserve and contribute to the rich fabric” of the region. The bill would also promote tourism and recreation along the river, he said.
“We know the Valley is a community united by history, values, and people,” Blumenthal said. The manufacturing that grew here was the result of people who worked hard, and they brought prosperity to the region, he said.
“The Valley is a special place with a remarkable history and a profoundly exciting future,” Blumenthal said. He vowed to educate people in Washington, D.C. on why the Valley is a “national treasure.”
Purcell said the Chamber of Commerce “is pleased to join with a broad coalition of community leaders in advocating for National Heritage Area designation for the Naugatuck River Valley.”
Valley United Way President and Derby Greenway Committee chairman Jack Walsh noted the complete turn around of the Naugatuck River.
“We’re in the middle of a renaissance for passive recreation along the river. Fifty years ago here we would be under water. Now it’s beautiful.”
He credited the “grassroots” efforts that created the river’s renaissance.
Dugatto said the designation would be a great way to “showcase” the region, and Cassetti thanked Purcell for his advocacy for the legislation.
Ansonia and Derby officials, representatives of the Derby Historical Society, the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center and Healthy Valley co-chairs Pat Tarasovic and Judy Augusta were on hand for the announcement.
There are two National Heritage Areas in Connecticut: the Upper Housatonic River National Heritage Area and the Quinebaug-Shetucket National Heritage Area.
