[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 112 (Friday, August 1, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1586]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            RAILS TO TRAILS

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                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 1, 1997

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce 
legislation regarding Rails to Trails. This legislation makes what I 
believe are common-sense changes to the current Rails to Trails 
Program.
  Under this bill, local communities could actively participate in 
deciding whether or not to convert an abandoned rail line into a trail. 
This legislation simply states that local government officials must 
approve a rails to trails decision before a line is designated for a 
trail use. Under the current program, only the Surface Transportation 
Board decides whether to approve a rail to trail conversion.
  Like many Federal laws and programs, Rails to Trails is top-heavy and 
the decision-making is done in Washington, DC. Unfortunately, people 
who live in Washington, DC, do not always understand what the 
communities in Kansas desire. We need more local control and decision-
making to insure that the needs of local communities and property 
owners are considered.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my fellow Members of Congress to support this 
legislation and allow local communities to participate in the Rails to 
Trails process.

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