PROVIDENCE, R.I.—A federal bill that aims to secure funding to protect the Pawcatuck River and other streams in Rhode Island and Connecticut is headed for a vote in Washington.

The Wood-Pawcatuck Protection Act calls for a study to determine the "wild and scenic" value of the rivers in a watershed that spans 300 square miles over 14 towns in the two states.

Rep. James Langevin (LAN'-jih-vin) of Rhode Island and Rep. Joe Courtney of Connecticut are co-sponsors. Langevin's office says the House is expected to debate and vote on the measure on Monday.

The Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association, the Rhode Island chapter of The Nature Conservancy and Save the Bay would evaluate what parts of the watershed deserve a special classification. Any segments that get it could be eligible for federal funding.

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