Washington - U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ)and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today introduced legislation to reauthorize New Jersey's Coastal Heritage Trail through 2016.The billwouldallow the National Park Service to continue to manage the trail and provide support to help visitors access the trail's many attractions.
"We have a responsibility to protect New Jersey's natural treasures for future generations and preserve our state's history and environment,"said Senator Lautenberg."This legislation will allow us to continue dedicating federal resources to the Coastal Heritage Trail so that New Jerseyans and touristscontinue enjoying the beauty of our state for years to come."
"I am pleased to once again introduce legislation to protect New Jersey's coastal treasures for generations to come,"said Senator Menendez. "Our coasts are a source of splendor, history, and countless opportunities for outdoor leisure. They're also crucial for our state's economy - bringing in billions in tourism revenue every year. Their preservation is an investment in our environment and our economic prosperity."
The 300-mileCoastal Heritage Trailis divided intofive sections that extendalong the coastlinefrom Perth Amboy to Cape May and westintoSalem County along the Delaware River. The trail contains New Jersey beaches, bays, historic villages,wildlife sanctuariesand the nation's oldest operating lighthouse, among other historic and cultural sites.
In 1988, Senator Lautenberg joined former Senator Bill Bradley (D-NJ) to craft a measure that authorized the Secretary of Interior to designate the Coastal Heritage Trail.
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