Laserfiche WebLink
R-97-60 <br /> <br />RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH SUPPORTING DESIGNATION OF THE <br />JAMES RIVER AS THE FIRST AMERICAN HERITAGE RIVER. <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, local governments, corporations and non-profit <br />entities along the James River desire to collaborate through a <br />public-private partnership to identify and pursue common goals; <br />and <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, the American Heritage Rivers Initiative assists <br />broadly supported community-based efforts to revitalize local <br />rivers and their related communities and waterfronts; and <br /> <br /> WHEREAs, the American Heritage Rivers Initiative is <br />responsive to the diverse needs of different kinds of communities, <br />from central cities to rural areas; and, <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, the American Heritage Rivers Initiative integrates <br />local, state, federal and private expertise and resources to <br />achieve community identified complimentary goals, including <br />economic development, natural resources management, environmental <br />protection and historic preservation; and, <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, designated American Heritage rivers and their <br />riverfront communities will receive improved access to federal <br />support, information and financial and technical assistance; and, <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, the American Heritage Rivers Initiative will not be <br />a regulatory program; and, <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, the James River is America's River, where our nation <br />began, the cradle of democracy, the home of numerous Presidents <br />and American leaders and the birthplace of the private ownership <br />of land; and. <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, the James River far exceeds the criteria for <br />American Heritage River designation because of its rich history, <br />culture, natural and scenic resources, economic development and <br />community involvement; and <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission and <br />its staff have provided leadership among the Hampton Roads <br />communities in supporting designation of the James River as an <br />American Heritage River; and <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, the City of Portsmouth is pleased to be pursuing <br />efforts with neighboring cities supportive of the underlying <br />objectives of the American Heritage Rivers Initiative; and <br /> <br /> <br />