[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 3 (Friday, January 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E29-E30]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             LAND EXCHANGE

                                 ______


                            HON. RANDY TATE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 5, 1996

  Mr. TATE. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a piece of legislation 
that would facilitate a land exchange between Fort Lewis Military 
Reservation and the Weyerhaeuser Real Estate Company [WRECO], located 
in Pierce County, WA, and in my congressional district. The land 
exchange allows the Army and WRECO to exchange parcels of land to the 
benefit of each party. The Army wishes to obtain ownership of a small 
parcel that provides access to a sewer treatment plant, and WRECO 
wishes to obtain ownership of an abandoned road right-of-way. Although 
total acreage of the lands under consideration is less than 2 acres, 
legislation to facilitate the exchange became necessary because the 
value of the property now exceeds the requirements of minor land 
acquisition rules that allow for administrative exchanges.
  This provision I am introducing today has passed the Senate, and a 
similar provision passed the House as an amendment to H.R. 1530, the 
Defense authorization bill. However, as you know the authorization bill 
has been vetoed. The land exchange amendment is supported by the Army, 
and is noncontroversial. I am including a copy of a letter I received 
from Paul W. Johnson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army in support 
of the exchange. Swift passage of this legislation would be a fine 
example of Congress' ability to move unnecessary regulatory barriers--
allowing responsible, noncontroversial projects to proceed.
  I hope my colleagues will agree, and support this legislation.

 
[[Page E30]]

                                           Department of the Army,


                            Office of the Assistant Secretary,

                                     Washington, DC, June 6, 1995.
     Hon. Randy Tate,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Tate: This letter is to reaffirm the 
     Army's support and approval for the proposed land exchange 
     involving the Weyerhaeuser Real Estate Company (WRECO), 
     Pierce County and the United States.
       The Army has been working with and will continue to work 
     with Weyerhaeuser and local Pierce County officials to 
     further this mutually beneficial arrangement.
           Sincerely,

                                              Paul W. Johnson,

                                        Deputy Assistant Secretary
     of the Army.

                          ____________________