[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 64 (Tuesday, May 19, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E884]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     THE GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 1998

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 19, 1998

  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the Glacier 
Bay National Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 1998. The legislation is a 
manifestation of efforts to make the construction and operation of a 
small hydro-electric facility near the city of Gustavus, Alaska, 
possible through a land exchange. The hydro project would be 
constructed and operated by Gustavus Electric Company, and is intended 
to benefit the city's residents by providing a cheap source of 
electricity as an alternative to using diesel-powered generators. The 
project could also supply low-cost power to the National Park Service 
facilities in Glacier Bay National Park.
  An Act of Congress is necessary to allow the development of this 
hydro project. The project location is within designated wilderness of 
Glacier Bay National Park. Current law governing wilderness areas does 
not permit such construction and operation of hydro power facilities. 
The legislation I am introducing will provide for a land exchange in 
which the appropriate lands where the project is located are 
transferred to the State of Alaska, and the Park Service acquires State 
lands of equal value to compensate. Once the state acquires its lands 
under the exchange, construction of the facility will be possible.
  To reflect an understanding among the parties to this exchange, this 
legislation requires that the proper environmental and economic 
analyses and licensing procedures of the Federal Energy Regulatory 
Commission be followed prior to any transfer of lands. This stipulation 
assures the integrity of the lands and wildlife will be maintained 
before construction of the project may begin. In addition, the bill 
requires an exchange that is of equal value to the State and the 
federal government, and a ``no net loss'' of wilderness acreage.
  The major provisions of this bill were negotiated by people most 
directly affected by the land exchange. It is therefore a local 
solution to a local problem.

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