US House passes bill to protect RI, Conn. rivers

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation that seeks to win money to protect the Pawcatuck River and streams in Rhode Island and Connecticut.

The Wood-Pawcatuck Protection Act calls for a study to determine the "wild and scenic" value of the rivers in a watershed that spans 300 square miles over 14 towns in the two states.

The bill passed the House on Monday. It has not yet passed the Senate.

Rep. James Langevin (LAN'-jih-vin) of Rhode Island and Rep. Joe Courtney of Connecticut are co-sponsors of the legislation.

The Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association, Rhode Island chapter of The Nature Conservancy and Save the Bay would evaluate what parts of the watershed deserve a special classification. Any segments that get it could be eligible for federal funding.