Washington (December 20, 2024) — Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Chair of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety, applauded U.S. Senate passage of the Deerfield River Wild and Scenic River Study Act (S. 608) and the Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act (S. 961), following a live unanimous consent request on the Senate floor. 

“The passage of these two bills represents an important step forward for our efforts to protect the Deerfield River and recognize the incredible history of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site,” said Senator Markey. “I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House and the Senate to fight for these bills to be signed into law.”

“Since 1938, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site has worked to preserve and share centuries of American history, ranging from early American maritime trade to slavery and emancipation to the creation of the National Guard. Redesignating this Historic Site as a Historical Park and exploring additional sites will help to further illuminate the North Shore’s rich, diverse history and to bring visitors to Salem in the off season. I’m so pleased the bill passed the Senate and I’m grateful for Senator Markey’s partnership. I will continue to push for its passage in the House of Representatives in the next Congress,” said Congressman Moulton.

The Deerfield River Wild and Scenic River Study Act would direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the Deerfield River—which runs from southern Vermont through western Massachusetts to the Connecticut River—to identify portions of the river and its tributaries that could be incorporated into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The Deerfield River and its tributaries flow through the Connecticut River Valley, and for centuries have served as an invaluable resource for surrounding neighborhoods and the environment, including as a travel route for native communities alongside the Mohawk Trail. On March 12, 2024, the National Park Service initiated a reconnaissance survey on the Deerfield River to assess its candidacy for inclusion under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, following outreach from Senator Markey, Congressman James P. McGovern (MA-02), and their colleagues.

The Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act would redesignate the Salem Maritime National Historic Site as the Salem Maritime National Historical Park. Salem Maritime was established in 1938 as the first National Historic Site to be included in the National Park System. Redesignating the site as a National Historical Park will help to attract more visitors to Salem and allow the National Park Service to more easily obtain funding for exhibits and signage. The legislation would also require that the Secretary of the Interior conduct a Special Resource Study of sites and resources associated with maritime history, military history, and coastal defense in Salem and its vicinity.

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