[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 171 (Wednesday, November 1, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S16515]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      SNOWBASIN LAND EXCHANGE ACT

 Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, yesterday Senators Hatch, Bennett, 
Craig, and I introduced S. 1371, the Snowbasin Land Exchange Act. This 
bill would facilitate a land transfer in Utah.
  The consolidation of ownership of lands in the West has been a goal 
of many Members of the Senate, including me. I have supported many land 
exchanges for Montana, and I am pleased to be a cosponsor of S. 1371. 
This bill deals with lands in Utah and would allow the Snowbasin ski 
area, which will be one of the sites for ski events of the 2002 Winter 
Olympic Games. The bill would transfer about 1,320 acres from the 
Forest Service to the ski area and Forest Service would receive lands 
of equal value which they desire.
  About 10 years ago, discussions began between the owners of this land 
and the Forest Service. Since 1985, there have been studies, hearings, 
and assessments on the exchange. These include an environmental impact 
statement, environmental assessment, cultural and historical 
assessment, fish and wildlife studies, soil and water reviews, and 
geological studies. Despite a decision made by the Forest Service to 
exchange 700 acres of land at Snowbasin in 1990, the exchange remains 
uncompleted today.
  Congress needs to act quickly on S. 1371 so the exchange can be 
completed in the near future. For the 2002 Olympic Games, planning has 
already begun. This exchange is important so the work at Snowbasin can 
be completed for Olympic ski events scheduled there.
  The 2002 Olympic Games are important to the people of Montana for 
many reasons. For one, the Olympics will draw people to the Inter-
Mountain West, including Montana. This means more travel and tourism 
dollars to Montana and greater exposure of the attributes Montana 
possesses.
  Mr. President, the Public Lands Subcommittee will hold a hearing on 
S. 1371 next week, and I look forward to this bill moving forward 
quickly.

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