Senator Jack Reed, D-RI, introduced legislation on October 13 to create the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. The bill is co-sponsored by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, D-RI, Senator John Kerry, D-MA, and Senator Scott Brown, R-MA. Senator Reed's office made the announcement on Thursday. "This new national park would provide opportunities for work, opportunities for recreation, and it will be a way to forever memorialize the history of this unique national treasure,” said Senator Reed.
A bill was also introduced in the House of Representatives on October 13. U.S. Representative David Cicilline (D-RI), along with co-sponsors Richard E. Neal (D-MA), James McGovern (D-MA), and James Langevin (D-RI), introduced legislation to create the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park.
"I am proud to introduce legislation that will create a new national park unit within the Blackstone River Valley, ensuring the protection and promotion of this vital historical, environmental, and educational resource – all while helping to promote our local economies,” said Rep. Cicilline.
A copy of the press release from Senator Reed's office may be found here. A copy of the release from Representative Cicilline's office may be found here.