[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 105 (Monday, July 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1428]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        EGMONT KEY LAND TRANSFER

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                            HON. DAN MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Mr. DAN MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce 
legislation to convey Egmont Key, which is currently under the 
jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to the Florida State 
Park Service.
  Egmont Key is located at the mouth of Tampa Bay within the 
Congressional Districts of Mr. Bill Young, Mr. Jim Davis, and myself, 
both of which are greatly supportive of my efforts and are also 
original cosponsors of the bill. Egmont Key's cultural history dates 
back to 1830's, as a matter of fact the construction of Fort Dade in 
1882 was to protect the city of Tampa during the outbreak of the 
Spanish-American War. Egmont Key even served as a site for the Union 
navy to operate their Gulf Coast blockade in the Civil War. Area 
residents, including my family and I, have enjoyed Egmont Key's 
historical and recreational benefits for years, and the local support 
for conveying the ownership of this island to the Florida State Park 
Service is strong.
  The bill will convey the title of Egmont Key, a small island, which 
is approximately 350 acres, to the Florida State Park Service. This 
bill will not only improve the management of the public facilities, 
historical remains and wildlife habitat on the island, but also save 
the federal government money in the long term by removing it from 
federal responsibility.
  Transfer of this property to the State of Florida will prove to be 
highly beneficial to its visitors. Providing more efficient facilities 
and an all around atmosphere of family interaction. Egmont Key serves 
as a habitat for numerous species of birds, and its white sandy beaches 
are valuable to the lives of many turtles, animals, and plants. The 
State of Florida's ownership of this picturesque island would improve 
the quality of life for its inhabitants and the quality of enjoyment 
for its enthusiasts.
  Mr. Speaker, due to the limited amount of time left in the 107th 
Congress and my pending retirement this year, it is my hope that this 
bill will move quickly through the legislative process. I strongly 
believe that Egmont Key is best operated through the ownership of the 
Florida State Park Service, therefore I am requesting my colleagues 
join me today in cosponsoring this legislation. Egmont Key is a 
valuable resource to our area, and ownership by the State of Florida 
would simply provide the desired access to the community while also 
maintaining the ecosystem.

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