[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 199 (Thursday, December 14, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2355-E2356]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRANSFER OF TWIN CITIES RESEARCH CENTER

                                 ______


                         HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 13, 1995

  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, December 5, the House 
unanimously passed H.R. 308, a bill to transfer certain surplus Federal 
land in Hopewell Township, PA, to the Beaver County Corporation for 
Economic Development. The goal of the corporation, a nonprofit entity, 
is to utilize the transferred land, in cooperation with Hopewell 
Township, as the centerpiece of a Hopewell Aliquippa Airport Industrial 
Park, and thereby promote economic development and create needed jobs 
for the people of Hopewell Township.
  Mr. Speaker, as I stated during debate on this legislation, the 
Federal Government should be alert to opportunities like Hopewell that 
link property transfers to airports, industrial park opportunities and 
other core infrastructure facilities to create and promote jobs. The 
fact is that the only way to create job opportunities to succeed those 
that no longer exist because of industry closing or dislocations is to 
make property available for new business to locate there.
  The transfer of Federal property, when done effectively, can reap 
untold benefits in terms of employment, economic development, and 
economic stimulus.
  Such is the case with the U.S. Bureau of Mines' Twin Cities Research 
Center in Minneapolis, MN. The 225 outstanding and dedicated employees 
have provided world-class research capabilities for the mining industry 
for over 85 years. Their research has resulted in the development of 
advanced technologies that: First preserve and enhance the quality and 
integrity of the environment; second, mitigate health and safety in the 
work place; third, improve efficiencies and economics of current mining 
practice; and fourth, develop new and more environmentally-friendly 
mining systems.

[[Page E2356]]

  With the impending closure of the facility, the Twin Cities Research 
Center Transition Task Force has been developing a vision to transform 
the center into an applied engineering and physical sciences research 
institute. In order to accomplish their mission, the title of the land, 
buildings and equipment must be transferred at no cost to the State of 
Minnesota so that the new institute is able to lease the facility from 
the State to work in conjunction with the University of Minnesota. In 
this new arrangement, it may be necessary to transfer the equipment to 
the Natural Resources Research Institute in Duluth, sell some of the 
property, and/or manage the facilities in an innovative and cost-
effective manner.
  This no-cost transfer of public property will preserve the research 
capabilities of the Bureau of Mines' Twin Cities Research Center, 
continue the University's partnership with the State, and create 
economic opportunities for Minnesotans and the mining industry.
  Mr. Speaker, for the reasons stated, this property transfer is 
important. That is why in the report accompanying H.R. 308 (House 
Report 104-372, p. 2) language is included directing the General 
Services Administration to expedite negotiations to transfer the U.S. 
Bureau of Mines, Twin Cities Research Center, in Minneapolis to be used 
in conjunction with the University of Minnesota. I am pleased with the 
inclusion of this language and look forward to the transfer.

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