[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 178 (Thursday, December 20, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S13950-S13951]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. BOXER:
  S. 1865. A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to study 
the suitability and feasibility of establishing the Lower Los Angeles 
River and San Gabriel River watersheds in the State of California as a 
unit of the National Park System, and for other purposes; to the 
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I am pleased to be introducing today a 
bill that will take an important first step in restoring the San 
Gabriel River and Lower LA River, which run through Los Angeles, CA. 
These two rivers have suffered from years of abuse and neglect. For far 
too long, we have channeled, redirected, constricted, polluted, and 
simply ignored these two rivers. The result is that substantial 
portions of these rivers look nothing like their natural form. Instead 
of soft bottoms covered with aquatic grasses, stream banks lined with 
trees and bushes, and waters teaming with fish, these rivers have 
cement bottoms, cement banks, and little remaining wildlife.
  Today, we begin what will be a long, slow process in turning the tide 
for these two urban waterways. This bill directs the Secretary of 
Interior to conduct a study of the suitability and feasibility of 
protecting and restoring these two rivers by making them a part of our 
national park system. The long term vision I have is to see these 
rivers restored to a more natural state so that they can be a home to 
southern California's unique fish and wildlife.
  Just as important to me is that these rivers be restored so they can 
serve as a source of outdoor recreation for one of our Nation's most 
congested urban areas. Most communities in Los Angeles are desperate 
for open space. They seek outdoor areas where children can play, adults 
can meet, and people of all ages can find respite from the daily hustle 
and bustle of some of our most economically and socially stressed 
neighborhoods.
  What I am proposing would be an unprecedented urban restoration 
effort. But that does not mean it is impossible. Far from it. This 
vision is shared by Congresswoman Hilda Solis, who first introduced 
this bill in the House of Representatives. I look forward to working 
hand in hand with her to ensure that this dream becomes a reality.
  I ask unanimous consent that the text 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. 1865

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Lower Los Angeles River and 
     San Gabriel River Watersheds Study Act of 2001''.

     SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.
       (2) Watershed.--The term ``watershed'' means--
       (A) the Lower Los Angeles River and its tributaries below 
     the confluence of the Arroyo Seco;
       (B) the San Gabriel River and its tributaries in Los 
     Angeles County and Orange County, California; and
       (C) the San Gabriel Mountains located within the territory 
     of the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains 
     Conservancy (as defined in section 32603(c)(1)(C) of the 
     State of California Public Resource Code).

     SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF STUDY.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a study on 
     the suitability and feasibility of establishing the watershed 
     as a unit of the National Park System.
       (b) Applicable Law.--Section 8(c) of Public Law 91-383 (16 
     U.S.C. 1a-5(c)) shall apply to the conduct and completion of 
     the study required by subsection (a).
       (c) Consultation With State and Local Governments.--In 
     carrying out the study authorized by subsection (a), the 
     Secretary shall consult with--
       (1) the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and 
     Mountains Conservancy; and

[[Page S13951]]

       (2) any other appropriate State or local governmental 
     entity.

     SEC. 4. REPORT.

       Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Resources 
     of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy 
     and Natural Resources of the Senate a report on the findings, 
     conclusions, and recommendations of the study required by 
     section 3(a).
                                 ______