CT River gets a new life thanks to Riverfront Recapture

• Hartford's Riverfront Recapture was just an idea 25 years ago. Today it has captured the attention of many. Joe Kowalski takes us to one of his favorite fishing holes on the Connecticut River.
• Every Wednesday night dozens of fishermen from around the state meet on the Connecticut River for an amateur tournament. "It's ten bucks and the biggest fish wins."
• The Connecticut River has come a long way since Joe started fishing and he gives the credit to Riverfront Recapture, a non profit organization that was started 25 years ago at a time when the river was toxic. "It was walled off and forgotten about. It was an embarrassment to the state and labeled the prettiest landscape sewage system in the country," says Craig Mergins, Riverfront Recapture. Not only did they clean the river, but they started a rowing program 18 years ago that has now turned into a $3.5 million dollar boat house. They've added a million dollar fishing tournament and triathlons where athletes now swim in the water.
• On Wednesday they announced a hydrofoil boat race that will be on the river this fall. "They will be here September 23 and 24th. It's a major sporting event that will bring in millions of dollars in to our economy," says Mergins. Mergins say by bringing back the river and bringing people to the river they will be able to give a boost to the Hartford area. "Has a major influence on bars restaurants and hotels, so it's important that we showcase the water front as an economic stimulus to the region."