[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 24 (Tuesday, March 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
              CONVERTING MILITARY BASE TO A NATIONAL PARK

                                 ______


                          HON. SUSAN MOLINARI

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 8, 1994

  Ms. MOLINARI. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation to 
develop an improved process for moving Fort Wadsworth, Fort Hancock, 
and Floyd Bennett Field--part of Naval Station New York slated for 
closure as part of defense downsizing--toward conversion to a national 
park.
  By law, these areas are required to become part of the adjacent 
national park, the Gateway National Recreation Area. This new 
legislation would expand the authority of the Secretary of the Interior 
to negotiate leases beyond the existing authority included in the 
Concessions Act and the Historic Preservation Act. By granting such 
additional authority to obtain tenant leases, the generation of 
revenues by the Fort Wadsworth facilities can be expedited. Without 
this bill, excess parts of Fort Wadsworth would sit empty since the 
Interior Department has no legal ability to enter into lease 
agreements.
  It should be pointed out that the House of Representatives voted last 
November to grant similar leasing authority to the Department of 
theInterior for the Presidio in San Francisco.
  I believe that Naval Station New York's complete conversion process 
will become a national model for innovative implementation of former 
military bases to civilian use. New York's Base Redevelopment 
Commission and the Interior Department have worked closely to ensure 
that when the Navy does leave this part of the base, the fort will 
continue to contribute to the economic and cultural well-being of our 
community.
  I hope you will join me in supporting this legislation which will 
allow Fort Wadsworth to generate revenues from its facilities and 
achieve greater self-sufficiency.

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