Pallone’s Bill to Rename Facilities at Paterson Great Falls in Honor of Bill Pascrell Advances in the House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) is moving forward with legislation to rename two iconic landmarks at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park after the late Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr., a lifelong champion for Paterson and its historic landmarks. The bill would redesignate the Great Falls Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge and Overlook Park as the Bill Pascrell, Jr. Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge and Bill Pascrell, Jr. Overlook Park, respectively. Today Pallone’s bill will receive its first markup in the House Natural Resources Committee this Congress, marking a significant step toward permanently honoring Pascrell’s legacy.

“Bill Pascrell made sure Paterson’s place in history would never be forgotten, and now it’s time to make sure his isn’t either,” said Congressman Pallone. “Honoring him at the Falls is a fitting tribute to a man who gave everything he had to this city and to the people he served.”

“Few men in our New Jersey’s rich history have had a greater impact on Paterson than Bill Pascrell,” said Congresswoman Pou. “Congressman Pascrell dedicated his entire life to public service and the betterment of our community. It was Bill’s years of work that finally led to Great Falls being recognized as a national historic park. In the years to come, generations of Americans visiting Great Falls will learn the role of Paterson as an engine of our nation’s growth. Once this bill becomes law, so too will they learn about Bill Pascrell and his contributions that made Paterson and New Jersey so special. Thank you to Congressman Pallone for driving our efforts to recognize Congressman Pascrell.”

Pascrell played a pivotal role in securing the Falls’ designation as a National Historical Park in 2009, ensuring that Paterson’s industrial history would be preserved for generations to come. His advocacy also led to the expansion of the park’s boundaries to incorporate Hinchliffe Stadium, a historic Negro League baseball site.

Pallone also led the effort to reauthorize and rename the federal grants under Pascrell’s Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) program in his honor as a part of a federal funding bill last December. The Bill Pascrell, Jr. National Program for Traumatic Brain Injury Surveillance and Registries will continue funding for vital TBI research, treatment initiatives, and national surveillance programs. Pascrell was a national leader in TBI awareness and treatment, founding the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force and shaping policies to improve care for survivors and their families.

The House Natural Resources Committee’s markup will bring the bill closer to a full House vote. If enacted, it will ensure that Pascrell’s name remains forever tied to the city and the landmark he helped elevate to national recognition.