Cornish, N.H.-- Vice President Al Gore '69 spoke to a crowd of almost 250 yesterday in an event that highlighted his dual role as vice president and presidential candidate.

At a farm in Cornish, N.H., Gore announced a federal grant of over $800,000 to aid the Connecticut River as part of the American Heritage River initiative--a program created in 1997 to provide federal funds to restore and preserve rivers of national significance.

Gore said that the most important thing about the American Heritage River Initiative is to bring people together for a common cause.

"The best way to renew a city is to reconnect it to the river," he said.

It's the Environment, Stupid

While Gore's trip here was part of an official vice-presidential visit, the presidential hopeful's speech made it the event seem much like a stop on the campaign trail.

The vice president was quick to take credit for the creation of the Initiative, pointing out that memories of his life growing up on a farm in Carthage, Tenn. led him to urge President Clinton to start the program.

Gore emphasized the importance he believes environmental issues play in society today, stressing the fact that it will take Democrats and Republicans working together to solve today's problems.

"I think the environment is an important issue for the American people, whether or not it is a political issue," Gore said.