[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 118 (Wednesday, September 9, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S10118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. COVERDELL:
  S. 2451. A bill to improve protection and management of the 
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in the State of Georgia; 
to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.


     chattahoochee national recreation area boundaries legislation

 Mr. COVERDELL. Mr. President, today I introduce legislation 
which would modify the boundaries of the Chattahoochee River National 
Recreation Area to protect and preserve the endangered Chattahoochee 
River and provide additional recreation opportunities for the citizens 
of Georgia and our nation. This legislation authorizes the creation of 
a greenway buffer between the river and private development to prevent 
further pollution from continued development, provide flood and erosion 
control, and maintain water quality for safe drinking water and for the 
fish and wildlife dependent on the river system. In addition, this 
legislation promotes private-public partnerships by authorizing $25 
million in federal funds for land acquisition for the recreation area. 
This $25 million will be matched by private funds but only if Congress 
acts quickly. The State of Georgia, private foundations, corporate 
entities, private individuals, and others have already given or pledged 
tens of millions of dollars to protect and preserve the Chattahoochee 
River for future generations of Georgians to enjoy.
  The legislation I introduce today is a Senate companion to 
legislation introduced by Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. I applaud 
the leadership Speaker Gingrich has shown on this important issue. It 
is crucial for Congress to act quickly on this legislation in order to 
protect the Chattahoochee River, a vital natural resource. I look 
forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate on this proposal 
and urge its speedy consideration.
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