Clinton Declares New River is Old

He began his visit in Ashe County in western North Carolina to gather support for his mission to preserve our nation's rivers.

"I think every child ought to have the same chance your children do -- to fish or swim or float on a river that's clean and pure," Clinton said.

President Clinton spoke along the New River, designating it as one of 14 American Heritage Rivers. That will make getting federal funds for conservation work and community development easier.

At 300 million years old, the New River is said to be the nation's oldest river. It runs through North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.