[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 49 (Tuesday, April 28, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3721-S3723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. HATCH (for himself, Mr. Bennett, and Mr. Bingaman):
  S. 1998. A bill to authorize an interpretive center and related 
visitor facilities within the Four Corners Monument Tribal Park, and 
for other purposes; to the Committee on Indian Affairs.


                THE FOUR CORNERS INTERPRETIVE CENTER ACT

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation that 
would authorize an interpretive center and visitor facilities at the 
Four Corners National Monument. As my colleagues know, Four Corners is 
the only place in our country where four state boundaries meet. Over a 
quarter of a million people visit this monument every year.
  The Four Corners area is also unique for reasons other than the 
political boundaries of four states. Once inhabited by the earliest 
Americans, the Anaxazi, this area is rich in historical, 
archaeological,and cultural significance as well as natural beauty.
  Currently, however, there is nothing at Four Corners that would help 
visitors to fully appreciate and learn about the area. And, at a 
national monument that has 250,000 visitors a year, one would expect 
certain basic facilities to exist--restrooms, for example. But, there 
is no electricity, running water, telephone, or permanent structure at 
Four Corners.
  The bill I am introducing today is simple: We propose a Federal 
matching grant to build an interpretive center and visitor facilities 
within the boundaries of Four Corners Monument Tribal Park.
  We are not suggesting a museum the size of the Guggenheim. But, 
exhibits on the history, geography, culture, and ecology of the region 
would significantly enhance the area and Americans' appreciation of 
this unique part of their country and their heritage. And, I daresay 
that some very basic guest amenities would enhance their enjoyment of 
it.
  There is, as you can imagine, a great deal of excitement and 
enthusiasm for this project from many fronts. Currently, the Monument 
is operated as one of the units of the Navajo Nation Parks and 
Recreation Department. And, since there has been so much debate about 
``monuments'' recently, I should clarify that the Four Corners 
``Monument'' is merely a slightly elevated concrete slab at the 
juncture of our four states.
  The Navajo Nation owns the land in the Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah 
quarters and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe owns the quarter in Colorado. 
Although the Navajo Nation and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe are fully 
supportive of the project and have entered into an agreement with one 
another in order to facilitate planning and development at the Four 
Corners Monument, neither Tribe has the necessary resources to improve 
the facilities and create an interpretive center at the Monument.
  The bill, however, does not contemplate federal government give-away. 
The bill requires matching funds from nonfederal sources and for the 
two tribes to work collaboratively toward the development of a 
financial management plan. It is intended that the Interpretive Center 
become fully self-sufficient within five years.
  The bill requires that proposals meeting the stated criteria be 
submitted to the Secretary of the Interior. These criteria include, 
among other things, compliance with the existing agreements between the 
Navajo and Ute Mountain Ute Tribes, a sound financing plan, and the 
commitment of nonfederal matching funds. The federal contribution would 
not exceed $2.25 million over a 5 year period.

  Over the past several years, the Navajo Nation has met with many of 
the local residents of the area and has found overwhelming support to 
improve the quality of the services provided at the Four Corners 
Monument. The local area suffers an unemployment rate of over 50 
percent and any development which would create employment opportunities 
and would encourage visitors to stay longer in the area would be 
welcomed.
  Another important participant in the development of this proposal is 
the Four Corners Heritage Council. This Council, which was established 
in 1992 by the governors of the four states, is a coalition of private, 
tribal, federal, state, and local government interests committed to 
finding ways to make the economy of the Four Corners region sustainable 
into the future. The mission of the Heritage Council is to guide the 
region toward a balance of the sometimes competing interests of 
economic development, resource preservation, and maintenance of 
traditional life ways.
  Back in 1949, nearly 50 years ago, the governors of the states of 
Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah assembled at the Four Corners 
in a historic meeting. Each governor sat in their respective state and 
had what is probably the most unusual picnic lunch in history. They 
pledged to meet often at the Four Corners Monument to reaffirm their 
commitment to working together. Clearly, the governors understood that 
they shared stewardship of a unique piece of western real estate.
  Mr. President, the heritage of this area belongs to all Americans. 
The small investment requested in this legislation will help bring it 
to life.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be 
printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                S. 1998

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Four Corners Interpretive 
     Center Act''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) the Four Corners Monument is nationally significant as 
     the only geographic location in the United States where 4 
     State boundaries meet;
       (2) the States with boundaries that meet at the Four 
     Corners area are Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah;
       (3) between 1868 and 1875 the boundary lines that created 
     the Four Corners were drawn, and in 1899 a monument was 
     erected at the site;
       (4) a United States postal stamp will be issued in 1999 to 
     commemorate the centennial of the original boundary marker;
       (5) the Four Corners area is distinct in character and 
     possesses important historical, cultural, and prehistoric 
     values and resources within the surrounding cultural 
     landscape;
       (6) although there are no permanent facilities or utilities 
     at the Four Corners Monument Tribal Park, each year the park 
     attracts approximately 250,000 visitors;
       (7) the area of the Four Corners Monument Tribal Park falls 
     entirely within the Navajo Nation or Ute Mountain Ute Tribe 
     reservations;
       (8) the Navajo Nation and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe have 
     entered into a Memorandum of Understanding governing the 
     planning and future development of the Four Corners Monument 
     Tribal Park;

[[Page S3722]]

       (9) in 1992 through agreements executed by the governors of 
     Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, the Four Corners 
     Heritage Council was established as a coalition of State, 
     Federal, tribal, and private interests;
       (10) the State of Arizona has obligated $45,000 for 
     planning efforts and $250,000 for construction of an 
     interpretive center at the Four Corners Monument Tribal Park;
       (11) numerous studies and extensive consultation with 
     American Indians have demonstrated that development at the 
     Four Corners Monument Tribal Park would greatly benefit the 
     people of the Navajo Nation and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe;
       (12) the Arizona Department of Transportation has completed 
     preliminary cost estimates that are based on field experience 
     with rest-area development for the construction of a Four 
     Corners Monument Interpretive Center and surrounding 
     infrastructure, including restrooms, roadways, parking, 
     water, electrical, telephone, and sewage facilities;
       (13) an interpretive center would provide important 
     education and enrichment opportunities for all Americans.
       (14) Federal financial assistance and technical expertise 
     are needed for the construction of an interpretive center.
       (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
       (1) to recognize the importance of the Four Corners 
     Monument and surrounding landscape as a distinct area in the 
     heritage of the United States that is worthy of 
     interpretation and preservation;
       (2) To assist the Navajo Nation and the Ute Mountain Ute 
     Tribe in establishing the Four Corners Interpretive Center 
     and related facilities to meet the needs of the general 
     public;
       (3) To highlight and showcase the collaborative resource 
     stewardship of private individuals, Indian tribes, 
     universities, Federal agencies, and the governments of States 
     and political subdivisions thereof (including counties);
       (4) to promote knowledge of the life, art, culture, 
     politics, and history of the culturally diverse groups of the 
     Four Corners region.

     SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

       As used in this Act--
       (1) Center.--The term ``Center'' means the Four Corners 
     Interpretive Center established under section 4, including 
     restrooms, parking areas, vendor facilities, sidewalks, 
     utilities, exhibits, and other visitor facilities.
       (2) Four corners heritage council.--The term ``Four Corners 
     Heritage Council'' means the nonprofit coalition of Federal, 
     State, and tribal entities established in 1992 by agreements 
     of the Governors of the States of Arizona, Colorado, New 
     Mexico, and Utah.
       (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.
       (4) Recipient.--The term ``Recipient'' means the State of 
     Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, or Utah, or any consortium of 
     two or more of these states.
       (5) Four corners monument.--The term ``Four Corners 
     Monument'' means the physical monument where the boundaries 
     of the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet.
       (6) Four corners monument tribal park.--The term ``Four 
     Corners Monument Tribal Park'' means lands within the legally 
     defined boundary of the Four Corners Monument Tribal Park.

     SEC. 4. FOUR CORNERS MONUMENT INTERPRETIVE CENTER.

       (a) Establishment.--Subject to the availability of 
     appropriations, the Secretary is authorized to establish 
     within the boundaries of the Four Corners Monument Tribal 
     Park a center for the interpretation and commemoration of the 
     Four Corners Monument, to be known as the ``Four Corners 
     Interpretive Center.''
       (b) Land for the Center shall be designated and made 
     available by the Navajo Nation or the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe 
     within the boundary of the Four Corners Monument Tribal Park 
     in consultation with the Four Corners Heritage Council and in 
     accordance with--
       (1) the memorandum of understanding between the Navajo 
     Nation and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe that was entered into 
     on October 22, 1996; and
       (2) applicable supplemental agreements with the Bureau of 
     Land Management, the National Park Service, the United States 
     Forest Service.
       (c) Concurrence.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     this Act, no such center shall be established without the 
     consent of the Navajo Nation and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.
       (d) Components of Center.--The Center shall include--
       (1) a location for permanent and temporary exhibits 
     depicting the archaeological, cultural, and natural heritage 
     of the Four Corners region;
       (2) a venue for public education programs;
       (3) a location to highlight the importance of efforts to 
     preserve southwestern archaeological sites and museum 
     collections;
       (4) a location to provide information to the general public 
     about cultural and natural resources, parks, museums, and 
     travel in the Four Corners region; and
       (5) visitor amenities including restrooms, public 
     telephones, and other basic facilities.

     SEC. 5. CONSTRUCTION GRANT.

       (a) Grant.--The Secretary is authorized to award a Federal 
     grant to the Recipient described in section 3(4) for up to 50 
     percent of the cost to construct the Center. To be eligible 
     for the grant, the Recipient shall provide assurances that--
       (1) The non-Federal share of the costs of construction is 
     paid from non-Federal sources. The non-Federal sources may 
     include contributions made by States, private sources, the 
     Navajo Nation and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe for planning, 
     design, construction, furnishing, startup, and operational 
     expenses.
       (2) The aggregate amount of non-Federal funds contributed 
     by the States used to carry out the activities specified in 
     subparagraph (A) will not be less than $2,000,000, of which 
     each of the states that is party to the grant will contribute 
     equally in cash or in kind.
       (3) States may use private funds to meet the requirements 
     of paragraph (2).
       (4) The State of Arizona may apply $45,000 authorized by 
     the State of Arizona during fiscal year 1998 for planning and 
     $250,000 that is held in reserve by that State for 
     construction towards the Arizona share.
       (b) Grant Requirements.--In order to receive a grant under 
     this Act, the Recipient shall--
       (1) submit to the Secretary a proposal that meets all 
     applicable--
       (A) laws, including building codes and regulations;
       (B) requirements under the Memorandum of Understanding 
     described in paragraph (2) of this subsection; and
       (C) provides such information and assurances as the 
     Secretary may require.
       (2) The Recipient shall enter into a Memorandum of 
     Understanding (MOU) with the Secretary providing--
       (A) a timetable for completion of construction and opening 
     of the Center;
       (B) assurances that design, architectural and construction 
     contracts will be competitively awarded;
       (C) specifications meeting all applicable Federal, State, 
     and local building codes and laws;
       (D) arrangements for operations and maintenance upon 
     completion of construction;
       (E) a description of center collections and educational 
     programming;
       (F) a plan for design of exhibits including, but not 
     limited to, collections to be exhibited, security, 
     preservation, protection, environmental controls, and 
     presentations in accordance with professional museum 
     standards;
       (G) an agreement with the Navajo Nation and the Ute 
     Mountain Ute Tribe relative to site selection and public 
     access to the facilities;
       (H) a financing plan developed jointly by the Navajo Nation 
     and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe outlining the long-term 
     management of the Center, including but not limited to--
       (i) the acceptance and use of funds derived from public and 
     private sources to minimize the use of appropriated or 
     borrowed funds;
       (ii) the payment of the operating costs of the Center 
     through the assessment of fees or other income generated by 
     the Center;
       (iii) a strategy for achieving financial self-sufficiency 
     with respect to the Center by not later than 5 years after 
     the date of enactment of this Act; and
       (iv) defining appropriate vendor standards and business 
     activities at the Four Corners Monument Tribal Park.

     SEC. 6. SELECTION OF GRANT RECIPIENT.

       The Secretary is authorized to award a grant in accordance 
     with the provisions of this Act. The Four Corners Heritage 
     Council may make recommendations to the Secretary on grant 
     proposals regarding the design of facilities at the Four 
     Corners Monument Tribal Park.

     SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       In General.--(a) Authorizations.--There are authorized to 
     be appropriated to carry out this Act--
       (1) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1999;
       (2) $50,000 for each of fiscal years 2000-2004 for 
     maintenance and operation of the Center, program development, 
     or staffing in a manner consistent with the requirements of 
     section 5(b).
       (b) Carryover.--Any funds made available under this section 
     that are unexpended at the end of the fiscal year for which 
     those funds are appropriated may be used by the Secretary 
     through fiscal year 2001 for the purposes for which those 
     funds were made available.
       (c) Reservation of Funds.--The Secretary may reserve funds 
     appropriated pursuant to this Act until a proposal meeting 
     the requirements of this Act is submitted, but no later than 
     September 30, 2000.

     SEC. 8. DONATIONS.

       Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for purposes of 
     the planning, construction, and operation of the Center, the 
     Secretary may accept, retain, and expend donations of funds, 
     and use property or services donated from private persons and 
     entities or from public entities.

     SEC. 9. STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION.

       Nothing in this Act is intended to abrogate, modify, or 
     impair any right or claim of the Navajo Nation or the Ute 
     Mountain Ute Tribe, that is based on any law (including any 
     treaty, Executive order, agreement, or Act of Congress).

  Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I am pleased to rise today to co-sponsor 
this important legislation introduced by my friend from Utah, Senator 
Hatch. The bill authorizes the construction of an interpretive visitor 
center at the Four Corners Monument. As I am sure

[[Page S3723]]

all senators know, the Four Corners is the only place in America where 
the boundaries of four states meet in one spot. The monument is located 
on the Navajo and Ute Mountain Ute Reservations and operated as a 
Tribal Park. Nearly a quarter of a million people visit this unique 
site every year. However, currently there are no facilities for 
tourists at the park and nothing that explains the very special 
features of the Four Corners region. The bill authorizes the Department 
of the Interior to contribute $2 million toward the construction of a 
much needed interpretive center for visitors.
  Mr. President, the Four Corners Monument is more than a geographic 
curiosity. It also serves as a focal point for some of the most 
beautiful landscape and significant cultural attractions in our 
country. An interpretive center will help visitors appreciate the many 
special features of the region. For example, within a short distance of 
the monument are the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, Colorado; the Red 
Rock and Natural Bridges areas of Utah; and in Arizona, Monument Valley 
and Canyon de Chelly. The beautiful San Juan River, one of the top 
trout streams in the Southwest, flows through Colorado, New Mexico, and 
Utah.
  In my state of New Mexico, both the legendary mountain known as 
Shiprock and the Chaco Canyon Culture National Historical Park are a 
short distance from the Four Corners.
  Mr. President, Shiprock is one of the best known and most beautiful 
landmarks in New Mexico. The giant volcanic monolith rises nearly 2,000 
feet straight up from the surrounding plain. Ancient legend tells us 
the mountain was created when a giant bird settled to earth and turned 
to stone. In the Navajo language, the mountain is named Tse' bi t'ai or 
the Winged Rock. Early Anglo settlers saw the mountain's soaring spires 
and thought they resembled the sails of a huge ship, so they named it 
Shiprock.
  The Four Corners is also the site of Chaco Canyon. Chaco was an 
important Anasazi cultural center from about 900 through 1130 A.D. Pre-
Columbian civilization in the Southwest reached its greatest 
development there. The massive stone ruins, containing hundreds of 
rooms, attest to Chaco's cultural importance. As many as 7,000 people 
may have lived at Chaco at one time. Some of the structures are thought 
to house ancient astronomical observatories to mark the passage of the 
seasons. The discovery of jewelry from Mexico and California and a vast 
network of roads is evidence of the advanced trading carried on at 
Chaco. Perhaps, the most spectacular accomplishment at Chaco was in 
architecture. Pueblo Bonito, the largest structure, contains more than 
800 rooms and 32 kivas. Some parts are more than five stories high. The 
masonry work is truly exquisite. Stones were so finely worked and 
fitted together that no mortar was needed. Remarkably all this was 
accomplished without metal tools or the wheel.
  Mr. President, 1999 marks the centennial year of the first monument 
at the Four Corners. An interpretive center is urgently needed today to 
showcase the history, culture, and scenery of this very special place. 
New facilities at the monument will attract visitors and help stimulate 
economic development throughout the region. I am pleased to co-sponsor 
this bill with Senator Hatch, and I thank him for his efforts.

                          ____________________