FINDINGS.

SEC. 702. FINDINGS.The Congress finds that— (1) The Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers in the Common-wealth of Massachusetts possess resource values of national significance, including outstanding wildlife and ecological values, historic sites, and a cultural past important to America’s literary heritage. (2) Portions of this study segment have been listed on the Nationwide Rivers Inventory by the National Park Service. (3) There is strong support among State and local officials and area residents and river users for a cooperative wild and scenic river study of the area. (4) In view of the longstanding Federal practice of assisting States and local governments in protecting, conserving, and enhancing rivers of national significance, the United States has an interest in assisting the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the appropriate local governments in studying and developing a resource conservation and management plan for the river, consistent with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.