Washington - Legislation authored by Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) to designate the Great Falls in Paterson, New Jersey a National Historic Park was signed into law today by President Obama.

"Great Falls and my hometown of Paterson are finally getting the recognition they deserve. Today brings long-deserved attention to one of our nation's most beautiful and historic landmarks. This new national park will showcase the majesty of the falls and stimulate our region's economy by encouraging tourism, creating jobs and making the investments to preserve it for future generations," Sen. Lautenberg said.

Senator Menendez said: "This official recognition brings us close to the day when the natural and historic treasures that we have in Great Falls will be preserved for generations to come. New Jerseyans have always known how important and breathtaking this Garden State treasure is, but this designation confirms its importance to our great nation. No other site in the country more richly represents the remarkable transformation of our rural agrarian society based in slavery into a modern global economy based in freedom. I am proud to have worked in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to help this come to fruition. I look forward to working with Interior Secretary Salazar to create a national park at Great Falls."

"We have finally done it. Beginning today, Paterson, New Jersey will finally be fully recognized for the seminal role it has played in shaping American history. The establishment of this national park marks an historic moment for the city of Paterson and the state of New Jersey. This unique urban national park signals a new beginning for the American cities that have been neglected by the previous administration. It represents a new opportunity for Paterson to embrace its history, grow its economy and become a safer, stronger community," stated Rep. Pascrell.

The Senate and House of Representatives recently approved the bill overwhelmingly. The measure will designate the Great Falls in Paterson as a National Historic Park, which would enable the park to receive federal funding. The Great Falls is the second-highest waterfall in the eastern United States.

Paterson was America's first planned manufacturing city and was Alexander Hamilton's vision of what the American industrial economy should look like.

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