[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 132 (Thursday, October 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1825]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


AUTHORIZING AN INTERPRETIVE CENTER NEAR DIAMOND VALLEY LAKE, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. MARY BONO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 17, 2000

  Mrs. BONO. Madam Speaker, I join my colleagues, Representatives Ken 
Calvert, Jerry Lewis, Duncan Hunter, Grace Napolitano, Ron Packard, 
Garry Miller, and Joe Baca in support of H.R. 4187, which provides 
funding and other assistance for the creation of the Western Archeology 
and Paleontology Center in southern California's Riverside County, in 
close proximity to the Diamond Valley Lake Reservoir.
  This facility will serve as both an interpretive center and museum to 
ensure the protection and preservation of the many prehistoric 
archaeological and paleontological findings uncovering during the 
lake's construction. These discoveries included rock paintings and 
carvings, bone and stone tools, pottery, a partial mammoth skeleton, 
mastodon tusks, and much more. A system of trails will be designed 
around the perimeter of the lake for use by pedestrians and non-
motorized vehicles.
  From the initial stages of discussion, this center has benefited from 
the guidance provided by the University of California at Riverside and 
a consortium of local individuals and organizations. The House report 
language directs the Secretary of the Interior to work with the 
University, the Metropolitan Water District (MWD), and local 
stakeholders in establishing and operating the center.
  The State of California has already contributed $6 million dollars to 
the establishment of the Western Center, and more than $10 million 
dollars has been included in this year's state budget for the 
construction and maintenance of the center.
  Diamond Valley Lade is the largest man-made lake in southern 
California. It was constructed at a cost of $2.1 billion dollars, over 
a period of ten years. This project, located near the communities of 
Hemet, San Jacinto and Temecula in California's 44th congressional 
district, will provide an essential emergency water supply for the 
residents of the Los Angeles basin and the surrounding communities.
  While Diamond Valley Lake will fulfill a critical water need for 
southern California, the unexpected benefit of this project was the 
discovery of a significant scientific treasure trove--the largest 
repository of prehistoric fossils in southern California. The 
establishment of a center and museum that will preserve these unique 
resources for future generations will benefit not only the people of 
California, but, the entire nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to also extend my appreciation to Chairman Young 
and Hansen for their efforts on behalf of this bill, and urge my 
colleagues to pass this important legislation.

                          ____________________