Minutes 12/09/1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Responsibility and Authority: December 9 1997 285 The James River Heritage Partnership organization is submitting the James River application. If the James River is awarded the title of American Heritage River, this organization will hold the responsibility of allocating any monies associated with the title. Motion by Mr. Clemons, and seconded by Mr. Pitts, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: "RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH SUPPORTING DESIGNATION OF THE JAMES RIVER AS THE FIRST AMERI CAN HE RITAGE RIVER. WHEREAS, local governments, corporations and non-profit entities along the James River desire to collaborate through a public-private partnership to identify and pursue common goals; and WHEREAS, the American Heritage Rivers Initiative assists broadly supported. community-based efforts to revitalize local rivers and their related communities and waterfronts; and WHEREAS, the American Heritage Rivers Initiative integrates local, state, federal and private expertise and resources to achieve community identified complimentary goals, including economic development, natural resources management, environmental protection and historic preservation; and, WHEREAS, designated American Heritage rivers and their riverfront communities will receive improved access to federal support, information, and financial and technical assistance; and, WHEREAS, the American Heritage Rivers Initiative will not be a regulatory program; and, WHEREAS, the James River is America's River, where our nation began, the cradle of democracy, the home of numerous Presidents and American leaders and the birthplace of the private ownership of land; and. WHEREAS, the James River far exceeds the criteria for American Heritage River designation because of its rich history, culture, natural and scenic resources, economic development and community involvement; and WHEREAS, the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission and its staff have provided leadership among the Hampton Roads communities in supporting designation of the James River as an American Heritage River; and WHEREAS, the City of Portsmouth is pleased to be pursuing efforts with neighboring cities supportive of the underlying objectives of the American Heritage Rivers Initiative; and WHEREAS, these efforts include initiatives in port, tourism and other economic development endeavors; water quality enhancement, waterfront revitalization; shoreline management and increased waterfront access; and management of the region's vital potable water resources; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Portsmouth supports the designation of the James River as an American Heritage River and urges the President of the United States to declare the James River as the first of ten American Heritage Rivers to be designated in 1998; and the City of Portsmouth agrees to work with other communities along the James River to accomplish the goals set forth in the James River Application."