BOARD01165

• Board Meeting Date: 1/12/1998
• Description: WSP Section - American Heritage River Nominations
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

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A. Yes. The federal agencies will work with the .
community to identify an appropriate person, to
the extent that the local needs and priorities
identified by the designated American Heritage
Rivers community matches programs and
services of one or more of the participating
agencies. We expect the River Navigator will be
a federal employee.
Q. Is this a "land grab" for rivers?
A. Quite the contrary. This is an effort to increase
local access to federal programs that affect
rivers, not to increase federal management
around rivers. Communities come together and
nominate their stretch of river. This initiative
supports community plans -- including economic
development, revitalization, environmental and
public health protection, recreation and job
creation. To accomplish these goals, the
Administration will better coordinate federal
environmental, economic and cultural programs
with the communities along rivers, and give
people better access to existing federal resources. .
And, most importantly, the federal government
will respond directly to community needs.
Q: Is it true that foreign governments or their
international organizations are involved in this
initiative?
A. No, The American Heritage Rivers will be
nominated by American communities to
celebrate their own historical and cultural values.
Q: Is it true that the "River Navigator" is going to
insert himself or herself into local decisions in
order to "federalize" local functions like zoning?
A. No, The "River Navigator" will serve the
community as a liaison to the federal
government, helping people better understand
how to access existing federal resources.

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