Wow! Thanks for the link- a real time machine:
Topic: White Water
American Heritage Rivers Initiative
Honorable Helen Chenoweth (R-ID)
June 10, 1997 Helen Chenoweth
I remember it was hotly debated in letters to the editors of the Florida Times-Union ( Jacksonville ) at the time. The cons seemed worried about the loss of freedom, while the pros seemed to think all sorts of Federal benefits would flow their way. It was certainly contentious.
Yes, it's amazing what's in the FR archives.
No doubt it was contentious, but I don't recall a lot about this story.
I got engaged in early 1997 and was otherwise occupied. :)