Norton Bill for Kingman & Heritage Island Development and Ecosystem Preservation Passed Today

Norton Bill for Kingman and Heritage Island Development and Ecosystem Preservation Passed in the House Today

October 7, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton's bill to make Kingman and Heritage islands, manmade islands located near RFK Stadium, a center for environmental education and recreation, passed on the House Floor this evening. The bill, H.R. 2092, also authorizes funding to restore the Anacostia River ecosystem. Norton (D-DC) introduced her Kingman Island bill last spring as Earth Day was commemorated on Kingman Island with a daylong celebration that included restoration activities and nature tours. "Our community has embraced the potential of these islands for recreation and enjoyment of the Anacostia River and of nature," the Congresswoman said. "With today's bill, Congress is doing its part to help the District facilitate its plans for a model education and recreation center that will attract tourists and residents alike and engage them in preserving and restoring our natural resources." Norton is optimistic that this Kingman and Heritage Islands bill will be passed in the Senate.

The fun and family-friendly plan for the islands also include a memorial tree grove dedicated to the three District of Columbia school children who were victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The Kingman and Heritage Island Act of 2009 is part of the Congresswoman's priority efforts to restore the Anacostia and promote environmental awareness. Those efforts include H.R. 1262, the Water Quality Investment Act, which passed in the House in March and currently is pending in the Senate to authorize the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make grants to nonprofit organizations for water pollution control projects - among other provisions.