Number: 1980-07
WHEREAS, construction of Interstate I-84 between Hartford, Connecticut, and Providence, Rhode Island, will result in the destruction of over 1800 acres of wetlands and fish and wildlife habitat; and
WHEREAS, construction of I-84 will result in substantial degradation of water quality in the Scituate Reservoir, the primary source of drinking water for over one-half of the population of Rhode Island; and
WHEREAS, the need for construction of an Interstate Standard Highway between Hartford, Connecticut, and Providence, Rhode Island, has not been established; and
WHEREAS, construction of an Interstate Standard Highway between Hartford, Connecticut, and the Rhode Island State line will maximize both destruction of wildlife habitat in Connecticut and degradation of the Scituate Reservoir in Rhode Island;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 20-23, 1980, in Miami Beach, Fla., hereby opposes construction of any Interstate Standard Highway between Hartford, Connecticut, and either Providence, Rhode Island, or the Connecticut/Rhode Island State line; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation supports the upgrading of existing East-West highways in the I-84 corridor, further consideration of a rail link between Hartford and Providence, and protection of existing fish and wildlife habitat.