[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 1, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4509-S4513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 PRESIDIO PROPERTIES ADMINISTRATION ACT

  The Senate resumed consideration of the bill.
  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I now ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
turn to the consideration of Calendar No. 300, H.R. 1296, regarding 
Presidio properties, and the bill be considered in the following 
fashion:
  That amendments numbered 3571 and 3572 be withdrawn and all other 
amendments and motions other than the Murkowski substitute and the 
committee substitute be withdrawn, and the committee-reported 
substitute be modified to reflect the adoption of the Murkowski 
substitute, as modified, to reflect the deletion of title XVI, Sterling 
Forest, and title XX, Utah Wilderness, and containing the text of 
amendment numbered 3572, with Lost Creek land exchange modified to 
reflect the text I now send to the desk, and the committee substitute, 
as amended, be immediately agreed to, the bill be advanced to third 
reading and passed, and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the 
table, all without any intervening action or debate.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? Without objection, it is 
so ordered.
  The modification to the Murkowski substitute amendment No. 3564 is as 
follows:

       Delete title XVI and title XX of amendment No. 3564 and 
     insert the following new title:

                         TITLE I--MISCELLANEOUS

     SECTION 101. LOST CREEK LAND EXCHANGE.

       The Secretary of Agriculture shall submit a plan to the 
     Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United 
     States Senate and the Committee on Resources of the House of 
     Representatives detailing the terms and conditions for the 
     exchange of certain lands and interests in land owned by the 
     R-Y Timber, Inc., its successors and assigns or affiliates 
     located in the Lost Creek area and other areas of the 
     Deerlodge National Forest, Montana.

             TITLE   --VANCOUVER NATIONAL HISTORIC RESERVE

     SEC.   01. VANCOUVER NATIONAL HISTORIC RESERVE.

       (a) Establishment.--There is established the Vancouver 
     National Historic Reserve in the State of Washington 
     (referred to in this section as the ``Reserve'', consisting 
     of the area described in the report entitled ``Vancouver 
     National Historic Reserve Feasibility Study and Environmental 
     Assessment'' published by the Vancouver Historical Study 
     Commission and dated April 1993 as authorized by Public Law 
     101-523 (referred to in this section as the Vancouver 
     Historic Reserve Report'').
       (b) Administration.--The Reserve shall be administered in 
     accordance with;
       (1) the Vancouver Historic Reserve Report (including the 
     specific findings and recommendations contained in the 
     report); and
       (2) the Memorandum of Agreement between the Secretary of 
     Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park 
     Service, and the City of Vancouver, Washington, dated 
     November 14, 1994.
       (c) No Limitation on FAA Authority.--The establishment of 
     the Reserve shall not limit;
       (1) the authority of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     over air traffic control, or aviation activities at Pearson 
     Airpark; or
       (2) limit operations and airspace in the vicinity of 
     Portland International Airport.
       (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out 
     this section.

  The bill (H.R. 1296), as amended, was passed.
  Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I strongly support the passage of this 
important environmental legislation. Taken together, these measures 
represent the most significant and important conservation package to 
come before the Senate in over a decade. They will preserve and protect 
for future generations important natural resource and historic 
treasures of this country as well as providing critically needed 
management authorities.
  For the most part, the measures contained in this package have 
languished on the Senate floor due to holds and delaying tactics from 
Senators. I want to congratulate the majority leader, Senator Dole, for 
his successful efforts to end the seemingly endless parade of obstacles 
to the passage of this legislation. Had we less rhetoric and a modicum 
of rational assistance from the administration, we might have 
accomplished this far earlier. We all observed the administration's 
game plan and the willingness of the media to cater to it, including 
attaching the minimum wage package to the parks legislation.
  Mr. President. I will not go into lengthy detail on the various 
measures that are finally being released, but I do want to highlight 
some of them at this time.
  Title I of this measure deals with the Presidio of San Francisco. By 
itself, this title is an important and critically needed measure that 
should have been enacted months ago. With the closure

[[Page S4510]]

of the Presidio, the National Park Service was facing an almost 
impossible drain on its limited funds to maintain a unique and 
important resource. The legislation establishes a mechanism whereby the 
Presidio will be preserved and maintained for future generations, the 
National Park Service will be able to focus on interpretation and the 
visitor experience, and the site will be self-supporting. I appreciate 
the willingness of the two Senators from California to work with me and 
the committee in crafting this novel approach.
  Title II contains 25 miscellaneous amendments and boundary changes. 
Some of these measures were reported from the committee over a year 
ago. They affect areas from the Atlantic to the Pacific and provide 
essential authorities that the administration needs for proper and 
effective management.
  The remaining 34 titles include the establishment of new areas, such 
as the Tall Grass Prairie National Preserve, which will preserve one of 
the last portions of the prairie that symbolized the West. Both Senator 
Dole and Senator Kassebaum deserve credit for the efforts to secure 
passage of that measure, but it too had been held up by the other side. 
Among those titles is the Snowbasin Land Exchange, which is critical 
for the Winter Olympics. Apparently the administration is only 
concerned with getting through November and was prepared to let that 
measure languish with the other measures. The title also includes the 
Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, an important measure that 
will commemorate a significant part of the civil rights movement.

  The Taos Pueblo Land Transfer title would transfer 764 acres of land 
within the Wheeler Peak Wilderness in New Mexico to the Secretary of 
the Interior to be held in trust for Pueblo de Taos Indians. This tract 
is surrounded on three sides by Pueblo lands and is an important area 
for use in their religious ceremonies. The Pueblo would use the lands 
for traditional purposes, but the lands would otherwise be managed to 
protect its wilderness character. Both Senator Domenici and Senator 
Dole were instrumental in moving that measure and I appreciate their 
support.
  The Rocky Mountain National Visitor Center, sponsored by Senators 
Campbell and Brown addresses a critical need at Rocky Mountain National 
Park through a creative public-private partnership to provide a visitor 
center for the park. Rocky Mountain National Park is the most popular 
tourist attraction in the State of Colorado, drawing over 3 million 
visitors every year, but has not had a visitor center.
  Mr. President. All these measures are important and all should have 
passed on their own merits long ago. These measures are important to 
the environment, essential to the National Park System, and will be of 
lasting benefit to future generations. As I stated earlier, they 
represent the single largest conservation package to come before the 
Senate in over a decade.
  This Senator at least wants to express his gratitude to the majority 
leader, Senator Dole, for being able to free at least this group of 
hostages from the political games. He will probably not receive the 
credit he is due, but if we can enact the Presidio and the other 
measures included in this package, it will be as a result of his 
efforts and his leadership and I thank him.
  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, the legislation before us today contains 
several issues of priority for several States. Today, we are prepared 
to go forward with a number of items concerning parks and public lands 
issues across this country and I am pleased to support this package.
  I would like to thank Senator Murkowski for including provisions 
critical to Kansas and California. I am pleased that the Presidio 
legislation is included in this package. This critical provision will 
allow for the innovative preservation of the Presidio, one of our 
Nation's true treasures. This bill also includes the establishment of 
the Tall Grass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas.
  More so than any other legislation, this package represents the 
interests and priorities of individual States. States like Kansas and 
California want these initiatives accomplished--not battered about by 
outsiders and Washington bureaucrats who think they know best. National 
forests; land conveyances, visitor centers, land exchanges and historic 
parks--these are all issues of importance to the various interest 
involved and should no longer be delayed. I urge the President to 
support this package.


                                presidio

  Mr. President, this bill provides for the administration of the 
Presidio in California. I am pleased to join with my colleagues to pass 
this legislation which will provide for an exciting future for the 
Presidio.
  The Presidio is a treasured resource of this country. The legislation 
before us today provides for national recognition of the Presidio. I 
believe Senator Murkowki has sought a balance between the interests of 
the trust charged with preserving this resource and the interests of 
the National Park Service. In my view, the Presidio trust will ensure 
an important partnership between the local community and this property.
  This trust, established within the Department of the Interior, will 
manage the renovation and leasing of the specific Presidio properties. 
The revenues generated from these leases will then offset the costs of 
maintaining the Presidio as a national park, reducing the need for 
Federal funding. 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 number of 
national parks and historic sites, it is apparent that we must find new 
ways to manage and preserve such important resources.


  establishment of the tall grass prairie national preserve in Kansas

  For several years there have been attempts to create a National Tall 
Grass Prairie Preserve on nearly 11,000 acres in Kansas, known as the 
Z-Bar Ranch. Proposals for this preserve have faced valid opposition 
from concerned citizens and landowners in the area. Any involvement by 
the Federal Government generates concerns, but this legislation 
provides for involvement by the Federal Government.
  Senator Kassebaum has worked to bring all parties together to discuss 
the establishment of a prairie park and strike a balance with this 
legislation. I have always supported Senator Kassebaum's efforts to 
encourage private participation in the establishment of a national 
prairie preserve in Kansas.
  The Z-Bar Ranch is currently owned by a private trust, but 
establishing Z-Bar as a national preserve requires legislation. Under 
this legislation, the Federal Government is limited to ownership of a 
maximum of 180 acres of the Z-Bar Ranch. The Federal Government would 
be authorized to purchase or accept a donation of this portion of land.
  The current owners of the ranch have offered to donate the core area 
of land to the Federal Government. This will minimize the cost of 
establishing the preserve. In my view, a compromise which includes 
minimal Federal ownership and continued local input sets this proposal 
apart from other efforts.
  The Tall Grass Prairie is a vital part of the natural environment and 
heritage of the high plains. Those who have visited the Flint Hills of 
Kansas appreciate the beauty of this prairie. Senator Kassebaum's work 
in creating a partnership between public and private sectors will help 
preserve the history of the Midwest. With a private/public partnership, 
we can officially recognize the Tall Grass Prairie while limiting the 
involvement of the Federal Government. I commend Senator Kassebaum for 
her hard work on this innovative legislation and her efforts to 
recognize this important Kansas landmark.
  I again commend Senator Murkowski and Senator Campbell for their work 
on this important piece of legislation. I know that earlier the 
administration expressed some concerns about the Presidio legislation, 
I think in reviewing the bill before us they will find their concerns 
were addressed by the committee. I commend the community of San 
Francisco and people of California for recognizing this important 
resource

[[Page S4511]]

and working to develop an approach that will allow generations to come 
to enjoy this historic and unique landmark.
  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I want to thank Senator Murkowski for all 
of his hard work on the Energy Committee and on the many difficult 
public lands issues he must deal with.
  As my colleagues are aware, I have had serious concerns about 
legislation requiring rather than authorizing agency heads to acquire 
land and to construct particular buildings, thereby incurring costs to 
the Federal taxpayer.
  Usually, such Federal acquisition and construction activities are 
authorized by Congress. Once authorized, administrative procedures are 
in place to ensure that the project is necessary and is undertaken in 
the order of its relative priority. The final decision of whether to go 
forward is traditionally left to the discretion of the Secretary based 
on merit and priorities.
  When the Presidio bill first came to the floor, I expressed my 
concerns about several titles containing acquisition and construction 
mandates. In order not to hold up the bill unnecessarily, I canvassed 
the affected agencies to determine if they opposed any of these 
mandates. The purpose of this inquiry was so that I did not have to 
insist on changing bill mandates to authorizations if the 
administration intended to undertake the activity even if not 
congressionally mandated.
  The Department of the Interior objected to one requirement dealing 
with a land acquisition in the Corinth, MS. The bill requires the 
National Park Service to acquire land in the vicinity of the Corinth 
battlefield, and requires the Secretary to construct, operate, and 
maintain an interpretive center on the property.
  I had intended to offer an amendment to change the acquisition 
mandate to a traditional authorization so that the applicable needs 
assessment and prioritization procedures could be applied, but I have 
been assured by the chairman of the Senate Energy Committee that he 
will address my concern in the conference committee.
  Mr. MURKOWSKI. Senator McCain is correct. I understand his concern 
about the mandate on the Corinth battlefield title, and I will address 
it in the conference report.
  Mr. McCAIN. I thank the Senator. I would also like to add that the 
Senators from Mississippi have made a strong argument that the visitor 
center is necessary. I trust and expect that the Secretary will fully 
consider their views in administering the authorization.
  Furthermore, I know it is the intent of the Senator from Mississippi 
to subject the authorization to appropriations.
  Mr. LOTT. Senator McCain is correct. It has always been my intention 
that the acquisition and construction be subject to appropriations, and 
that this project be undertaken in the order of its relative priority.
  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to congratulate all of the 
Members and their staff who have worked so hard on collaborating on 
this omnibus package. In particular, I would like to thank my good 
friend, the majority leader from Kansas, for his persistent efforts to 
shepherd this bill into law. He has done a great service for many of 
us, and the bill's final passage is a testament to his strength and 
tenacity as a leader.
  I would like to say a few words about a couple of the bills, that 
have specific meaning to me.
  The Presidio bill, the flagship of this package, offers a unique, 
creative, and innovative approach to provide for the long-term 
protection and preservation of one of our Nation's greatest cultural, 
historical, and natural treasures. Many people have been waiting a long 
time for this bill. I know the Senators from California and 
Congresswoman Pelosi have put a great deal of time and energy into this 
legislation, as have the staff from the Energy Committee and personal 
offices. In our efforts to try to reach consensus on all levels, we 
have managed to craft a bill that will provide enough balance and 
flexibility to incorporate all points of view.
  Mr. President, I also would like to discuss several bills within the 
omnibus package that are of particular interest to me and my home State 
of Colorado. These bills deserve distinction in their own right, being 
crafted with years of collaborative hard work and dedication. I would 
like to make brief comments on each of them, and once again send my 
congratulations to all those who have worked so hard on these important 
bills.
  The Rocky Mountain National Park Visitor Center title provides the 
authority for the National Park Service to use appropriated and donated 
funds to operate a visitor center outside of the boundary of Rocky 
Mountain National Park. The Park Service has been in need of a 
visitor's center at the eastern entrance to Rocky for many years now, 
but due to fiscal constraints, they have been unable to get adequate 
appropriations. Thanks to a generous private-public partnership 
proposal, the Park Service has an opportunity to provide a visitor 
service outside of the park boundaries. This legislation simply allows 
the Park Service to enter into this type of partnership with private 
individuals. I would particularly like to applaud the individuals in 
Estes Park, whose innovative work, generous contributions, and 
persevering dedication have made this idea a reality.
  This type of private-public opportunity is exactly what the Federal 
Government should be taking advantage of these days, and I am 
encouraged by the proposal for this visitor center that has been put 
forth. This center would help the thousands of visitors that come to 
the park each year, and would save the Government millions in taxpayer 
dollars.

  The Cache La Poudre title, sponsored by the distinguished senior 
Senator from Colorado, designates approximately 35,000 acres between 
the cities of Fort Collins and Greeley, CO, as the Cache La Poudre 
River National Water Heritage Area. The headwaters of the streams that 
flow into this river tell the story of water development and river 
basin management in the Westward expansion of the United States. This 
historical area holds a special meaning for Coloradans, and we feel 
that it deserves national recognition as a heritage area. In addition 
to the designation, this title helps establish a local commission to 
develop and implement a long-term management plan for the area.
  This bill holds great distinction for me, for I have been working on 
it for many years with my good friend and colleague, Senator Brown from 
Colorado. The good Senator has been working hard to get this bill 
enacted into law, and each revision of the bill has been a more worthy 
product than the last. There are always a couple of bills that hold 
special meaning for us personally, and the Cache La Poudre is a good 
example of one that the senior Senator from Colorado has a particular 
interest in. It would be a great honor to have this bill enacted into 
law before my friend retires this year.
  The Giplin County Land Exchange title represents the best type of 
land exchange possible. It is a simple, straightforward land exchange 
bill that will convey 300 acres of Bureau of Land Management lands in 
Gilpin County, CO, for the acquisition of 8,733 acres of equal value 
within the State.
  The bill seeks to address a site-specific land management problem 
that is a result of the scattered mining claims of the 1800's. The 
Federal selected lands for conveyance are contained within 133 
scattered parcels near the communities of Black Hawk and Central City, 
most of which are less than one acre in size. These lands would be 
exchanged to the cities of Black Hawk and Central City to help 
alleviate a shortage of residential lots.
  In return for these selected lands, the Federal Government will 
receive approximately 8,773 acres of offered lands, which are 
anticipated to be of approximately equal dollar value to the selected 
lands. These lands are in three separate locations, described as 
follows:
  Circle C Church Camp: This 40-acre parcel is located within Rocky 
Mountain National Park along its eastern boundaries, and lies 
approximately 5 miles south of the well known community of Estes Park. 
This acquisition can provide additional public camping sites and 
address a current shortage of employee housing in the popular national 
park.
  Quilan Ranches tract: This 3,993-acre parcel is located in Conejos 
County, in southern Colorado. This land has excellent elk winter range 
and other wildlife

[[Page S4512]]

habitat, and borders State lands, which are managed for wildlife 
protection.

  Bonham Ranch--Cucharas Canyon: This 4,700-acre ranch will augment 
existing BLM land holdings in the beautiful Cucharas Canyon, identified 
as an AREA of Critical Environmental Concern [ACEC]. This ranch has 
superb wildlife habitat, winter range, riparian areas, raptor nesting 
and fledgling areas, as well as numerous riparian areas, rator nesting 
and fledgling areas.
  Any equalization funds remaining from this exchange will be dedicated 
to the purchase of land and water rights, pursuant to Colorado water 
law, for the Blanca Wetlands Management Area, near Alamosa, CO.
  It is clear that the merits of this bill are numerous. Moreover, the 
bill is noncontroversial, and while it may not have dramatic 
consequence for people outside of the State of Colorado, it represents 
a tremendous opportunity for citizens in my State. Due to the time-
sensitive and fragile nature of the various components of this bill, I 
am delighted that the Senate has acted as expeditiously as possible.
  In addition, for the past 5 years now, I have been supporting 
legislation that seeks to bring some common sense and reason to the 
administration of Forest Service ski area permits. The ski fees title 
will take the most convoluted, subjective, and bizarre formula for 
calculating ski fees, developed by the Forest Service, and replace it 
with a simple, user friendly formula in which the ski areas will be 
able to figure out their fees with very little effort.
  The current formula utilized by the Forest Service is encompassed in 
40 pages and contains hundreds of definitions, rulings, and policies. 
It is simply Government bureaucracy at its worst. For the ski industry, 
this formula is a monstrous burden, and with the expansion and 
diversification of many ski resorts, this burden grows increasingly 
more complex each year. I am pleased that this title will offer some 
clarity and common sense to the ski resorts of my home State.
  Mr. President, the Grand Lake Cemetery title simply directs the 
Secretary of the Interior to authorize a permit for the town of Grand 
Lake, CO, to permanently maintain their 5-acre cemetery, which happens 
to fall within the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park. This 
cemetery has been in use by the town since 1892, and continues to carry 
strong emotional and sentimental attachments for the residents.
  Currently, the cemetery is operated under a temporary special use 
permit, which is set to expire this year. By granting permanent 
maintenance authority to the town, this title creates lasting stability 
to this longstanding issue. It is completely noncontroversial, and 
widely supported by both the community and the Park Service.
  Finally, Mr. President, the last title in this package that I would 
like to address is another bill that holds special meaning for me. I 
have been working on this legislation for many years now, and I am 
pleased to see that this title has seven different cosponsors from both 
sides of the aisle. The Old Spanish Trail title will designate the Old 
Spanish Trail and the Northern Branch of the Old Spanish Trail for 
study for potential addition to the National Trails System as a 
National Historic Trail.
  The Old Spanish Trail has rightly been called ``the longest, 
crookedest, most arduous pack mule route in the history of America.'' 
It is that, and more. The Old Spanish Trail tells a dramatic story that 
spans two centuries of recorded history and originated in prehistoric 
times. This trail witnessed use by Ute and Navajo Indians, Spaniards, 
Mexicans, and American trappers, explorers, and settlers, including the 
Mormons. Its heyday spans the development of the West, from the native 
on foot to the mounted Spaniard to the coming of the transcontinental 
railroad. Few routes, if any, pass through as much relatively pristine 
country. It is time to recognize and celebrate our common heritage, and 
I am thrilled to have this included in the package passed.
  These bills may not mean a whole lot to many Members in this Chamber, 
but they mean a great deal to my constituents and me. I again commend 
my colleagues for their hard work, and strongly support passage of this 
important legislative package this evening.
  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I would like to ask the distinguished 
chairman of the committee a question regarding the duties and 
authorities of the trust as outlined in section 104(b) of the Presidio 
trust legislation.
  Section 104(b) provides that ``Federal laws and regulations governing 
procurement by Federal Agencies shall not apply to the trust.'' 
However, the same section of the bill states that the Presidio trust 
``shall establish and promulgate procedures applicable to the trust's 
procurement of goods and services'' that just ``conform to laws and 
regulations related to Federal Government contracts governing working 
conditions and wage scales including the provisions of 40 U.S.C. Sec. 
276a-276a6 (Davis Bacon Act).''
  Can I ask the chairman if this language means that contractors and 
subcontractors who contract to do work at the Presidio on behalf of the 
trust will be required to comply with prevailing wage provisions in all 
construction contracts and subcontracts?
  Mr. MURKOWSKI. I would like to tell my friend, Senator Boxer, that 
yes, she is correct.
  Mr. BENNETT. Mr. President, I rise to express my strong support to 
the efforts of Chairman Murkowski to move this package of bills. I 
would like to add my thoughts as well, as to what some have called the 
demise of the Utah wilderness bill.
  I am disappointed that the Senate failed to break the filibuster of 
the Utah wilderness bill. I would have liked to have had the Senate 
continue to debate the bill because I believe that, given the 
opportunity, we could have convinced those of my colleagues who had 
doubts about this bill to support it. I am also a realist and I 
understand that in this Chamber, if one does not have the votes to 
invoke cloture, it is difficult to move any piece of legislation.
  I want my constituents, the people of Utah, to know of my 
appreciation for their tremendous support over the last 14 months. 
Despite what a small, but very vocal minority would have the Senate 
believe, the people of Utah wanted a sensible, balanced wilderness 
bill. S. 884 achieved that balanced approach and it was supported 
widely across the State of Utah. I believe that a letter in support of 
our bill signed by over 300 elected officials in Utah is a good 
indicator that it has strong public support. A rigorous public comment 
process, involving thousands of written comments, personal testimony, 
and over 40 public hearings assisted the Utah delegation in drafting 
this bill. It was a thorough, well-thought-out process and it was open 
to plenty of criticism from the other side.
  I, particularly, want to express my tremendous appreciation to those 
county commissioners from the rural Utah counties who would have been 
most impacted by wilderness designation. These faithful and dedicated 
public servants have devoted thousands of hours to develop the county 
proposals. Despite the fact that S. 884 included 1.1 million acres more 
than the counties recommended as wilderness, these individuals 
recognized the need to bring the 20-year debate to closure. The county 
commissioners have invested thousands of dollars, and sacrificed their 
personal time to come to Washington to enlighten my colleagues about 
the wilderness issue.
  There are dozens of names that deserve to be mentioned, but I would 
like to give particular credit to Commissioner Louise Liston of 
Garfield County, Commissioner Lana Moon of Millard County, 
Commissioners Bill Redd and Ty Lewis of San Juan County, Commissioners 
Randy Johnson and Kent Peterson of Emery County. I would also be remiss 
if I failed to mention Commissioners Joe Judd of Kane County and Teryl 
Hunsaker of Tooele County. As always, the fine commissioners of 
Washington County, Gayle Aldred, Jerry B. Lewis, and Russ Gallian were 
instrumental in providing expertise. There are dozens of other faithful 
commissioners and I apologize that I cannot mention them all by name.
  The Utah wilderness issue is not dead. On the contrary, it is very 
much alive and very much unresolved. It will come again before the 
Senate, and at some point we will be forced to finally deal with the 
issue. It is my hope that next time, my colleagues will give greater 
consideration to the $10 million

[[Page S4513]]

of taxpayers' money and the 20 years of BLM expertise that went into 
providing the basis for our recommendation.
  Again, while I am disappointed that Utah wilderness will not be 
included in this package, there is a silver lining in this cloud. Mr. 
President, as you know, Utah is preparing to host the 2002 Winter 
Olympics. Last fall, Senator Hatch and I introduced the Snowbasin Land 
Exchange, which would authorize the Forest Service to enter into a land 
exchange with the Snowbasin ski resort to exchange 1,320 acres of 
Forest Service land around Snowbasin for over 4,000 acres throughout 
the Wasatch Front. It is an equal value exchange, and a win-win 
situation for both parties. Not only for the Olympics, but for other 
reasons as well.
  For example, in Utah open space in some areas is at a premium. As our 
population swells each year as thousands of people from other States 
like California and New Jersey come to Utah because of our quality of 
life, our precious open spaces along the Wasatch Front are rapidly 
disappearing. As part of this exchange, the Forest Service will acquire 
lands along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail which is one of the most 
heavily used recreational trails in northern Utah. The people of Weber 
County will benefit as the critical wildlife habitat along the benches 
above Ogden is preserved along with the open spaces. Development will 
be prevented from encroaching upon these areas. Again, it is a win-win 
situation arranged for through this exchange.
  Unfortunately, the Snowbasin exchange was caught up in the politics 
of the day and for various reasons, this legislation had the brakes put 
on it by the Clinton administration. Snowbasin and the Utah delegation 
proceeded through months of negotiations with the Forest Service and 
finally reached agreements on virtually every one of the 
administration's concerns. This legislation is necessary for the 
successful implementation of the 2002 Winter Olympics and I know that 
my colleagues are as concerned as I am that this legislation is 
implemented so Snowbasin may proceed to prepare for the men's and 
women's downhill. We all want a successful Olympic event. This 
legislation is included as part of the chairman's package and I am 
pleased that we can finally act upon this bill.
  Again, Mr President, I thank the chairman for his willingness to move 
this package and I encourage my colleagues to support it. I thank the 
Chair.

                          ____________________