[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 105 (Wednesday, July 17, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1298-E1299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  LEGISLATION TO AMEND THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION ESTABLISHMENT ACT

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                          HON. JAMES V. HANSEN

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 16, 1996

  Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, America's National Parks preserve our 
historical past, celebrate our cultural traditions, and protect the 
natural wonders God created.
  My own State is a great example. Utah is home to the sculpted rock 
scenery in Arches National Park, the brilliant colors and intricrite 
shapes of Bryce Canyon National Park, and the spectacular cliff and 
canyon landscapes found in Zion National Park. Unfortunately these 
unique places and the other units of the National Park System need 
help.
  Congressional appropriations have not been able to keep pace with the 
needs of the national parks. With a severe strain on its finances and 
dedicated staff, the park service is struggling to provide a quality, 
educational and recreational experience for the park visitor, while 
also protecting the natural resources and the cultural heritage in the 
parks.
  This summer, visitors to the national parks have found closed 
campgrounds, garbage piling up, historic buildings needing repairs and 
reduced visitor services. Some specific examples: two museums and a 
campground are closed at Yellowstone; Padre Island National Seashore in 
Texas won't paint its campground bathrooms this year; and the number of 
rangers patrolling Yosemite's back country has been reduced from 19 to 
3.
  The parks clearly need help. This legislation offers important 
assistance in dramatically boosting National Park funding before it is 
too late. This bill could increase funding for the National Park 
Service by as much as $1 billion over the next 10 years at no cost to 
park visitors or taxpayers. This money will supplement--not replace--
regular appropriations from Congress for the parks.
  This bill enjoys strong bipartisan support on both sides of the Hill. 
I am pleased that Representative Richardson, the ranking minority 
member of this subcommittee, has joined me in introducing this 
legislation.
  This legislation would grant the National Park Foundation several new 
authorities. First, it would modify the current prohibition on the 
Foundation engaging in business. The Foundation's limitation on 
conducting business is unique amongst congressionally chartered 
foundations. In fact, two sister organizations that Congress created--
the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the National Forest 
Foundation--are allowed to engage in business.
  In addition, this bill would grant the Foundation some of the same 
powers first pioneered with the Amateur Sports Act in 1950. Under this 
legislation, the Park Foundation would have the authority to offer a 
limited number of companies the opportunity and privilege of becoming 
an official sponsor of the National Park System.
  This bill contains multiple safeguards to make sure the images of the 
National Parks are not tarnished and the reputation of the National 
Park Service is not sullied. There will be no sponsors of individual 
units of the National Park System. An official sponsor could not 
present that its goods or services were endorsed by the National Park 
Service. There would be no corporate advertising in the National Parks. 
The Secretary of the Interior must approve in writing each official 
sponsor.
  The list of safeguards goes on, but the bottom line is that there 
will not be commercialization of our National Parks.
  With these grants of authority from Congress, the National Park 
Foundation will pursue new revenue-generating opportunities outside the 
parks in partnership with private enterprises. These proposals will 
make it possible for the Foundation to play the role originally 
intended by Congress in 1967--making a significant contribution to 
preserving America's National Parks through partnerships between 
Government, private business, and individuals.

[[Page E1299]]



         WALTER AND HELEN LUCAS CELEBRATE 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS

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                         HON. HAROLD L. VOLKMER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 16, 1996

  Mr. VOLKMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my hearty 
congratulations to Walter L. Lucas, Jr., and his wife, Helen Lucas, of 
Shelbina, MO, who are celebrating their 50th year in business. Walter 
and Helen were married on July 26, 1940. After serving his country 
during World War II, Walter returned to Shelbina to start Lucas True 
Value Hardware in Shelbina. On March 6, 1946, Walter and Helen opened 
the doors of their hardware store and they have been providing quality 
service to their customers for over 50 years.
  Walter has also devoted his considerable talents to helping his 
friends and neighbors in Shelbina. In 1956, he established the Walt 
Lucas Outstanding Scholar Athlete Award as a way to honor academic and 
athletic excellence by local high school students. Walter has also 
worked closely with the Boy Scouts, where he has served as a Cub Master 
and a Scout Master. In addition, Walter served as the president of the 
Shelbina Chamber of Commerce and he is active in the Shelbina First 
Christian Church.
  Walter and Helen are shining examples of why small business owners 
are the backbone of our economy. Not only have they prospered 
economically, they have helped many of their friends and neighbors 
through their involvement in the community, and I wish to congratulate 
them on their success in business and in life.

                          ____________________