[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 105 (Monday, June 26, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S9026]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            A PRESIDIO TRUST

  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, today I am pleased to cosponsor S. 594, 
legislation which provides for the administration of the Presidio in 
California. I have discussed this legislation with my colleagues, 
Senator Campbell and Senator Feinstein, and feel that this legislation 
allows for the national recognition of the Presidio while also taking 
into account concerns about the growing demand for Federal funding for 
National Park Services. Through this innovative approach to managing 
one of our Nation's finest landmarks, we can ensure the preservation of 
the Presidio while also providing significant opportunities to the 
local community.
  The unique history of the Presidio's operation as a military post 
dates back to 1776. Its designation as a national historic landmark in 
1962 recognized the importance of the post in many military operations. 
After the Army closed the post, the National Park Service took over the 
Presidio. When comparing our limited resources against the increasing 
number of national parks and historic sites which have become the 
responsibility of the Federal Government, it becomes apparent that we 
must find new ways to manage and preserve such important resources.
  This legislation proposes a Presidio trust, ensuring the continued 
preservation of the post with assistance from the local community. This 
trust, established within the Department of the Interior, would manage 
the renovation and leasing of specific Presidio properties. The 
revenues generated from these leases would then offset the cost of 
maintaining the Presidio as a national park, reducing the need for 
Federal funding. In my view, this legislation represents the best 
approach to ensure the efficient management and preservation of the 
Presidio at the least cost to the taxpayer. The importance of public 
sector participation in this effort to maintain the Presidio sets this 
initiative apart from others, and I am pleased to support it.

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