[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 3, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1175-S1176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. LAUTENBERG (for himself and Mr. Torricelli):
  S. 362. A bill to authorize appropriations for the Coastal Heritage 
Trail Route in New Jersey, and for other purposes; to the Committee on 
Energy and Natural Resources.


 LEGISLATION TO REAUTHORIZE THE NEW JERSEY COASTAL HERITAGE TRAIL ROUTE

  Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, today I am introducing legislation to 
reauthorize the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route so that we can 
allow the National Park Service, together with its partners, to 
complete its work in bringing recognition to New Jersey's rich coastal 
history. I am pleased to be joined by Senator Torricelli in sponsoring 
this legislation.
  The Coastal Heritage Trail Route was first authorized in 1988 through 
legislation sponsored by former Senator Bill Bradley and myself. This 
legislation authorized the Secretary of the Interior to design a 
vehicular route that would enable the public to enjoy the nationally 
significant natural and cultural sites along the New Jersey coastline. 
Thanks to the work of the National Park Service, the Coastal Heritage 
Trail Route will, at completion, have five theme trails to allow for 
the self-discovery of topics ranging from maritime history to wildlife 
migration. These five vehicular discovery trails will travel along the 
coast of New Jersey, through eight different counties, by way of the 
Garden State Parkway and State Highway 49.
  The first theme trail completed is the Maritime History trail. The 
purpose of this trail is to explore the coastal trade, defense of the 
nation, and fishing and ship building industries. The second trail is 
the Coastal

[[Page S1176]]

Habitats trail. This trail enables visitors to learn about the special 
natural resources of the New Jersey coast and the plants, animals and 
especially birds that live there. The recently opened Wildlife 
Migrations trail, allows individuals to explore the special places that 
migrating species depend on along New Jersey's coast. A fourth trail is 
the Historic Settlements trail. When completed, this trail will bring 
the historic communities whose economies were based on local natural 
resources to life. The final tour, Relaxation and Inspiration, will 
depict how people have traditionally used their leisure time, at places 
such as religious retreats and historic boardwalks.
  The project, which was originally conceived and designed to recognize 
the importance of New Jersey's coastal areas in our nation's history, 
has grown into a rich partnership between the federal government, state 
and local governments, and private individuals. This partnership 
demonstrates a commitment among many levels of government and the 
private sector to bringing history to life.
  Mr. President, the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route is clearly 
one of the National Park Service's success stories. Legislation to 
renew authorization for the trail enacted in 1994 appropriately called 
upon the Park Service to match 50 percent of its federal funding with 
non-federal funds. I am pleased to report that the Service has gone 
well beyond that matching requirement. Since 1994, appropriations for 
the Trail Route totaled $1.8 million. During that same period, the Park 
Service has raised $2.8 million in matching funds.
  However, the work is not yet finished. Even though the Park Service 
has been able to meet the funding requirements, at this time, only the 
first three trails have been completed. The Park Service plans call for 
completing the two remaining trails, and adding three new visitor 
centers and interpretive materials to aid school children as they learn 
about New Jersey's history. Our bill would make this possible by 
increasing the authorization level for the trail to $4 million, and 
extend the authorization to the Year 2004, which would give the Park 
Service the additional time it needs to complete the Trail Route.
  The Coastal Heritage Trail Route brings national recognition and 
stature to many of New Jersey's special places, and helps to contribute 
to New Jersey's number two industry, tourism. Most importantly, the 
Trail Route provides residents and visitors with an opportunity to 
explore New Jersey's natural and cultural history and develop an 
appreciation for its importance. But what should happen if we don't 
reauthorize the funds for this program? Among other effects, New Jersey 
residents and visitors to our state will have lost valuable educational 
opportunities. Much of the $2 million in grants that the project has 
successfully generated will have been lost. And there would be a severe 
impact on tourism if the five themes are not fully developed.
  Mr. President, I just wanted to take a moment to commend Senator 
Murkowski, the Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources 
Committee and Senator Thomas, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on 
National Parks, Historic Preservation, and Recreation. They and the 
members of their staff worked hard in the last Congress to mark up this 
legislation and report it favorably to the full Senate. Although this 
bill was approved overwhelmingly by my colleagues in the Senate in the 
last Congress, the House of Representatives did not vote on this 
legislation prior to adjournment, and thus we must begin again. I have 
every confidence that this important legislation will pass both houses 
of Congress in a timely fashion during this session. Just today, the 
House Resources Committee reported out the House version of this bill, 
H.R. 171, introduced by Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo.
  The completion of the Coastal Heritage Trail Route is an important 
priority for New Jersey. The trail system will provide a sense of 
history, not solely for the residents of New Jersey, but for its 
visitors as well. By repealing the sunset provision on the original 
act, and increasing the authorization, the National Park Service will 
be allowed to complete the project that deserves to be finished.
  I ask unanimous consent that copy 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. 362

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

     SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 6 of Public Law 100-515 (16 U.S.C. 1244 note) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``$1,000,000'' and 
     inserting ``$4,000,000''; and
       (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``five'' and inserting 
     ``10''.
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