[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 124 (Friday, September 21, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9579-S9580]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         MUKILTEO LAND TRANSFER

  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, today I am pleased to offer an amendment 
to the fiscal year 2002 Defense Authorizations bill improving upon a 
land transfer included in the fiscal year 2001 Defense Authorizations 
bill. Last year, I worked to include language transferring the 22 acre 
Mukilteo Tank Farm from the United States Air Force to the Port of 
Everett, Washington. The Port, in cooperation with the City of Everett, 
the City of Mukilteo, the Washington State Department of 
Transportation, Sound Transit, and the Washington State Ferry System, 
plans to redevelop the site to include a new ferry terminal, commuter 
rail, a marina and enhanced shoreline access. This redevelopment will 
revitalize Mukilteo and Everett while improving transportation in this 
area. An important first step in implementing these development plans 
is for the Air Force to convey this property to the Port of Everett.
  For almost 30 years, the 22 acre parcel of land has also been home to 
the National Marine Fisheries Service's, NMFS', Mukilteo Field Research 
Facility. Its laboratories are currently housed in old, run-down 
military barracks. Last year's land transfer legislation did not convey 
any of the property to NMFS. The agency was concerned that it had lost 
its chance to own a portion of the 22 acres, and thus to make 
significant improvements to the site. The facility conducts valuable 
marine research, which will lead to improved long-term success in 
protecting and restoring salmon, groundfish and other species in Puget 
Sound.
  I directed the parties involved to reach a mutually agreeable 
solution. I am very pleased to announce that today's amendment reflects 
an agreement between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NOAA, NMFS and the Port of Everett. Upon transfer of 
the 22 aces, the Air Force will convey 1.1 acres to NOAA. After 12 
years, any portion of the 1.1 acres not being used by NOAA shall 
automatically revert to the Port of Everett. In addition, the Secretary 
of Commerce will have the authority to exchange portions of the 1.1 
acres with the Port of Everett should such an exchange be deemed 
mutually agreeable.
  This amendment reflects almost a year of negotiations and hard work 
on the part of many people within each organization. I would like to 
thank John Mohr, Executive Director for the Port of Everett, and Donna 
Darm, Acting Regional Administrator for NMFS in the Northwest Region. I 
appreciate their outstanding leadership in crafting this agreement. I 
look forward to continuing to work with the Port of Everett, NMFS and 
NOAA on this and any other issue that may arise in the future. 
Congratulations on working out an agreement which, I believe, is in the 
long-term interest of the community, the state of Washington and the 
nation.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from South Carolina is recognized.
  Mr. HOLLINGS. I ask unanimous consent that I may proceed as in 
morning business for 20 minutes.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I wish to 
ask the Senator if he will forbear for a moment.
  In my capacity as ranking member of the committee, I thank our 
committee member from the great State of Louisiana for all of her hard 
work and for her taking over the chairmanship of the Emerging Threats 
Subcommittee. I don't know of any other task facing the Senate today 
that is greater than what faces her in trying to work for the 
administration now that the President has made some very significant 
announcements in restructuring efforts of the Federal Government toward 
addressing the emerging and, indeed, regrettably existing threats now 
poised at our country. So I commend the Senator from Louisiana and wish 
her well in the weeks and months to come in her new capacity as 
chairman.
  Ms. LANDRIEU. I thank the Senator. Let me respond briefly. To assure 
the Senator from Virginia that we are up to the task and that our 
members are ready to go, we look forward to working with him, and I 
appreciate his guidance, support, and direction.
  Mr. WARNER. I thank the Senator from Louisiana.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection to the request of the 
Senator from South Carolina to speak as in morning business?
  Mr. REID. Madam President, what was the request?

[[Page S9580]]

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The request is from the Senator from South 
Carolina to speak as in morning business.
  Mr. REID. Reserving the right to object, before we move off the 
Defense bill--if it is within the rules, I suggest the absence of a 
quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. DASCHLE. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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