[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 157 (Sunday, November 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2283-E2284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          COMMUNITY RECREATION AND CONSERVATION ENDOWMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Saturday, November 8, 1997

  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, the land and water conservation fund [LWCF] 
was established in 1964 to increase recreational opportunities. It does 
this by using money, collected

[[Page E2284]]

mainly from oil and gas leases, to purchase Federal lands and to give 
matching grants to State and local governments for the development of 
parks and open spaces. While this fund continues to be used for Federal 
land purchases, very little money has been given to States to assist 
their efforts in preserving natural areas.
  That is why I have introduced the Community Recreation and 
Conservation Endowment Act of 1997 today. This bill will provide 
funding for grants to State and local governments to develop, repair, 
and create new parks and preserve open spaces.
  This bill will create a $1.6 billion permanent endowment to provide 
LWCF matching grants to local governments. Interest from that account 
will help provide funding for parks, campgrounds, trails, and 
recreation facilities for millions of Americans.
  Where does this money come from? On June 19, 1997, the Supreme Court 
ruled that the Federal Government retains title to lands underlying 
tidal waters off Alaska's North Slope. As a result, the Government will 
receive $1.6 billion in escrowed oil and gas lease revenues.
  When the land and water conservation fund was established the Federal 
Government promised to assist State and local governments with 
preserving natural areas. This legislation will make sure that the 
Federal Government follows through on that promise. In addition, this 
bill will ensure that each State receives its fair share of these funds 
by providing a more balanced distribution of this money between the 
States.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in this effort which 
will help preserve natural areas all across this country.

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