[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1833]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




FORT VANCOUVER NATIONAL HISTORIC RESERVE, H.R. 1296, OMNIBUS PARKS AND 
                            PUBLIC LANDS ACT

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                            HON. LINDA SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, September 28, 1996

  Mrs. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
this legislation. This bill creates the Fort Vancouver National 
Historic Reserve in Vancouver, WA, which will span the layered history 
of the Hudson's Bay Trading Company to Pearson Airpark.
  The new Fort Vancouver National Historic Reserve will be a 
collaborative effort among public entities that will turn Vancouver 
into a major historical and tourist destination. Some have likened the 
Fort Vancouver Historic Reserve to phenomenal tourist sites like 
colonial Williamsburg or St. Louis' steel gateway arch that 
commemorates westward pioneers.
  These are appropriate comparisons because the historical significance 
of the Vancouver area cannot be overstated. It is extremely important 
that people understand pioneer history at Fort Vancouver, the 
magnificent achievements in aviation at Pearson Airpark and the 
military significance of Officers Row and the Vancouver Barracks.
  The Reserve concept will give Vancouver's One Place Across Time 
campaign the resources and coordination they need to showcase these 
historical attractions. While countless people have worked tirelessly 
over the years to bring this project to fruition, none have worked 
harder than Vancouver's former Mayor, Bruce Hagensen. He should be 
commended for his vision and most of all, his persistence.
  This bill has had quite a tumultuous ride in the past few days. For 
some reason, the White House objected to this bill yesterday even after 
they had testified in favor of it before the Resources Committee. I am 
hopeful that the White House will not play politics on a bill that has 
been bipartisan since its inception, starting with my predecessor 
Jolene Unsoeld.
  I urge my colleagues to not only support this legislation, but to 
come and visit the wonderful historic opportunities at the Fort 
Vancouver National Historic Reserve.

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