[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 15, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S8242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. SPECTER (for himself and Mr. Santorum):
  S. 2309. A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter 
into an agreement for the construction and operation of the Gateway 
Visitor Center at Independence National Historical Park; to the 
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.


            gateway visitor center authorization act of 1998

 Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, today I introduce legislation to 
authorize the Interior Department to enter into an agreement with the 
nonprofit Gateway Visitor Center Corporation for the construction and 
operation of the Gateway Visitor Center in Independence National 
Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
  This legislation is needed because the Visitor Center will provide 
some services which are beyond the scope of existing National Park 
Service statutory authority at the Park. As a result, I am advised that 
construction may not begin until this bill is enacted. I have worked 
with the National Park Service and the Gateway Visitor Center 
Corporation to develop this bill and note that similar legislation has 
been introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Jon Fox 
and Robert Borski. The bill also has the strong support of Philadelphia 
Mayor Edward Rendell.
  The Gateway Visitor Center is part of the revitalization of 
Independence Mall and is critical to creating an outstanding visitor 
experience. It will serve as the gateway into the Park and will orient 
visitors as to the rich history of the National Historical Park, the 
city of Philadelphia, and the region as a whole. I was pleased to 
assist in obtaining funds in the TEA-21 Act for the road and 
infrastructure improvements necessary for the redevelopment of the 
Independence Mall and would note that the Senate FY99 Interior 
Appropriations bill also includes funding for this project.
  The legislation is necessary because, in addition to its role as the 
Park's primary visitor center, the Gateway Visitor Center will be 
permitted to charge fees, conduct events, and sell merchandise, 
tickets, and food to visitors to the Center. These activities will 
allow the Gateway Visitor Center to meet its park-wide, city-wide and 
regional missions while defraying the operating and management expenses 
of the Center.
  The Gateway Visitor Center holds enormous potential for Independence 
National Historical Park and the greater Philadelphia region as a 
whole, and I urge my colleague to support this legislation.
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