[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 11, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CONCESSIONS REFORM

                                 ______


                            HON. TIM JOHNSON

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 11, 1994

  Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. Speaker, today the House Natural 
Resources Committee marked up S. 208, to reform the concessions 
policies of the National Park Service. Many of our national parks, 
particularly those out West, were carved out of Indian treaty lands. 
When these lands were taken, the tribes lost a potential economic 
resource that, over time, one that is likely more valuable than are 
minerals, timber, or other nonrenewable resources. Since then, even 
though many reservations are close to the parks and suffer from up to 
80 percent unemployment, the tribes have not shared in the economic 
opportunities created by the presence of the parks. At most national 
parks near reservations, one finds few Indians employed by the National 
Park Service or by the concessionaires, few Indian businesses involved 
in any way in concessions, and little recognition of the culture and 
achievements of the Indian people. Even though the BIA and National 
Park Service are part of the same Department, there has never been any 
structured initiative to promote Indian economic participation in the 
parks, although National Park Service Director Kennedy has made an 
impressive beginning in the short time he has been in office.
  I offered and the committee accepted an amendment on behalf of my 
colleague from Montana, Mr. Williams, and myself. The intent of the 
amendment, is to authorize the Secretary to evaluate whether or not it 
is appropriate to consider as a secondary factor in awarding contracts, 
a plan developed by a bidder to hire Indians and/or use Indian 
businesses. This amendment is designed to promote Indian employment, 
business utilization, and other involvement in existing as well as 
future concessionaire activities at parks located on or near a 
reservation. Neither Congress nor the Park Service should be in the 
business of dictating to tribes or concessionaires what steps should be 
taken to increase the Indians' economic participation in the park 
activity. However, I think that it makes sense to allow the Secretary 
to evaluate whether or not it is appropriate to give proposals by 
concessionaires that make an effort to increase the involvement and 
employment of Indian businesses and Indian people at our national parks 
extra consideration during the bidding process.

                          ____________________