[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 64 (Thursday, April 6, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E799]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               OPERATION OF THE GRAND LAKE, CO, CEMETERY

                                 ______


                          HON. DAVID E. SKAGGS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 1995
  Mr. SKAGGS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce today legislation 
that will authorize an important and unique management agreement 
between the National Park Service and the town of Grand Lake, CO. This 
agreement will grant to the town the permanent right and responsibility 
to manage its century-old cemetery that is now inside the boundary of 
Rocky Mountain National Park.
  This bill, on which my colleague from Colorado, Mr. McInnis, joins as 
a cosponsor, matches legislation introduced earlier this month by our 
State's two Senators.
  The cemetery legislation is based on extensive negotiations between 
town and national park officials, with both groups supporting it.
  Under the agreement, the cemetery will remain inside the national 
park; no boundary adjustments will be made. Normally, such a situation 
would be handled through a park service special use permit, which must 
be renewed every 5 years. Such a short-term permit is not appropriate 
for a site like this one.
  The area to be used and managed by the town is precisely defined and 
limited to avoid future disputes. The agreement reflects an important 
spirit of cooperation and good will between the town and the Federal 
Government.
  I recommend this legislation to my colleagues in the House, and I 
urge swift action on it.


                          ____________________