(11/28/06) PATERSON ? Despite their historical significance, the National Park Service has decided not to name Paterson?s Great Falls as a national park.

The falls played a key role in Paterson being named America?s first industrial city in 1792, a decision made by Alexander Hamilton. The water power generated by the falls was the main reason for Hamilton?s choice. Although they helped generate money then, it is a financial situation now that is apparently keeping the falls off the national parks list. The federal government says the projected $21 million needed to run the park is simply too big a price tag.

The government also says although the Great Falls are the second largest east of the Mississippi, tourists can see waterfalls at 390 other parks around the U.S. Federal representatives say Paterson officials could have the site declared an ?affiliated site,? which would require less funding and oversight.