[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 112 (Friday, July 26, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1387-E1388]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        SNOW BASIN LAND EXCHANGE

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                        HON. WILLIAM J. MARTINI

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 1996

  Mr. MARTINI. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to introduce, along with 
my colleague,

[[Page E1388]]

Resources Subcommittee on Parks, Forests and Lands Chairman James 
Hansen, legislation to authorize both the acquisition of Sterling 
Forest and the Snow Basin land exchange.
  The dense woodlands, undisturbed meadows, majestic ridgetops, and 
clear water of Sterling Forest comprise a resource area of incomparable 
value to the public. Located just 35 miles from New York City and 
within 1 hour's drive for 1 in 10 Americans, these lands host a broad 
array of unusual biological communities and are home to scores of 
sensitive wildlife species including the American bald eagle. Sterling 
Forest also contains a major portion of the Appalachian Trail, which 
traverses the property's northern reaches offering remarkable scenic 
vistas and recreation opportunities.
  Most importantly, this undisturbed, undeveloped acreage is a major 
portion of the watershed for the reservoirs that provide the household 
water to 25 percent of all residents in my State. To maintain the high 
quality of these waters and to safeguard this diversity of resources, 
public acquisition of Sterling Forest has been a widely recognized 
priority for many years; and, in fact, some portions of the property 
have already been acquired.
  My interest in protecting the forest goes back to my days as a 
Passaic County Freeholder, where in 1993 I supported the Passaic County 
acquisition of 2,076 acres of Sterling Forest in West Milford and 
Ringwood, NJ. The purchase followed a 5-year condemnation battle for 
the property.
  The owners of the remainder of Sterling Forest recently agreed to 
sell to the public the vast majority of the property--including all of 
the most critical watershed, natural, and recreation lands. This 
agreement truly presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but this 
opportunity will not last. Unless the more than 15,000 acres being 
offered can be purchased within 2 years, the owners will proceed with 
plans to build many thousands of homes and millions of square feet of 
office and commercial space on Sterling Forest, forever impairing 
Sterling Forest's natural resources and character, and putting at risk 
the quality of water consumed by millions of New Jersey residents. And 
the price tag for the purchase--$55 million--is formidable.
  Fortunately, an innovative partnership strategy has been developed to 
bring preservation of Sterling Forest within reach. The States of New 
Jersey and New York each have set aside $10 million as their 
contributions toward the purchase. Private philanthropy has provided 
another $7.5 million, and efforts are underway to attract significantly 
more charitable support for the acquisition. The linchpin in this 
funding partnership, though, is the proposed $17.5 million Federal 
share. Without this help from the Federal Government, the acquisition 
of Sterling Forest will not be possible.
  The House Appropriations Committee has recently responded to this 
need by affirming the high national priority of Sterling Forest 
protection, and by recommending first-year funding in the amount of $9 
million, or roughly half of the total Federal contribution to this 2-
year project. it is important to note that Federal funds will be 
matched more than 2 to 1 by State and private dollars to complete the 
purchase. There will be no long-term Federal expense once the purchase 
is completed, since all management burdens will be assumed by the 
Palisades Interstate Park Commission, a State agency.
  Furthermore, this legislation offers a unique approach to the land 
protection opportunity for Sterling Forest. In addition to the direct 
authorization of $17.5 million for the most environmentally sensitive 
portion of the forest--approximately 90 percent of the tract--the bill 
also includes a land swap option for the purchase of the remaining 10 
percent of the property. I proposed such a land swap concept last Fall 
in my attempt to break the logjam that surrounded Sterling Forest 
legislation for several years. The new bill would direct the Secretary 
of the Interior top designate excess Federal lands to be sold in order 
to raise money beyond the $17.5 million to fund the purchase of the 
additional 10 percent of the land, if that purchase were to be 
undertaken.
  I want to emphasize that we only have a limited time to accomplish 
the task of protecting this critical and environmentally sensitive 
watershed. We are at a crucial juncture in our efforts on behalf of the 
millions of people who depend on Sterling Forest for clean and safe 
drinking water and for the solitude that it provides to one of this 
Nation's most densely populated areas.
  Let us also not forget that the efforts to preserve Sterling Forest 
have been going on for several years to no avail. Even when Washington 
had a Democratic Congress, as well as a Democrat in the White House, 
the goal of acquiring Sterling Forest was never achieved. We now have a 
wonderful opportunity to meet this goal and I invite and encourage each 
and every Member of Congress to join us in this cause.
  Sterling Forest is clearly an invaluable property, that will provide 
far-reaching public benefits that greatly exceed its costs. I ask my 
colleagues to join me, other members of the New Jersey and New York 
delegations, the Speaker, and the administration in supporting this 
effort.

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