[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 24, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H6509-H6514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1630
                  GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

  Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
Senate bill (S. 941) to revise the boundaries of the Golden Gate 
National Recreation Area in the State of California, to extend the term 
of the advisory commission for the recreation area, and for other 
purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                                 S. 941

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

             TITLE I--GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

     SEC. 101. BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT.

       Section 2(a) of Public Law 92-589 (16 U.S.C. 460bb-1(a)) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``(a)'' and inserting ``(a) Recreation Area 
     Lands.--'';
       (2) by striking ``The recreation area shall comprise'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--The recreation area shall comprise''; 
     and
       (3) by striking ``The following additional lands are also'' 
     and all that follows through the period at the end of the 
     paragraph and inserting the following:
       ``(2) Additional land.--In addition to the land described 
     in paragraph (1), the recreation area shall include--
       ``(A) the parcels numbered by the Assessor of Marin County, 
     California, 119-040-04, 119-040-05, 119-040-18, 166-202-03, 
     166-010-06, 166-010-07, 166-010-24, 166-010-25, 119-240-19, 
     166-010-10, 166-010-22, 119-240-03, 119-240-51, 119-240-52, 
     119-240-54, 166-010-12, 166-010-13, and 119-235-10;
       ``(B) land and water in San Mateo County generally depicted 
     on the map entitled `Sweeney Ridge Addition, Golden Gate 
     National Recreation Area', numbered NRA GG-80,000-A, and 
     dated May 1980;
       ``(C) land acquired under the Golden Gate National 
     Recreation Area Addition Act of 1992 (16 U.S.C. 460bb-1 note; 
     Public Law 10-299);
       ``(D) land generally depicted on the map entitled 
     `Additions to Golden Gate National Recreation Area', numbered 
     NPS-80-076, and dated July 2000/PWR-PLRPC; and
       ``(E) land generally depicted on the map entitled `Rancho 
     Corral de Tierra Additions to the Golden Gate National 
     Recreation Area', numbered NPS-80,079A and dated July 2001.
       ``(3) Acquisition authority.--The Secretary may acquire 
     land described in paragraph (2)(E) only from a willing 
     seller.''.

                     TITLE II--ADVISORY COMMISSIONS

     SEC. 201. GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA ADVISORY 
                   COMMISSION.

       Section 5 of Public Law 92-589 (16 U.S.C. 460bb-4) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking ``(b) The Commission'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(b) Membership.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Commission'';
       (B) by striking ``Provided, That the'' and all that follows 
     through the period; and
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) (as designated by 
     subparagraph (A)) the following:
       ``(2) Considerations.--In appointing members to the 
     Commission, the Secretary shall ensure that the interests of 
     local, historic recreational users of the recreation area 
     shall be represented.''; and
       (2) in subsection (g), by striking ``thirty years after the 
     enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``on December 31, 
     2012''.

     SEC. 202. MANZANAR NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE ADVISORY 
                   COMMISSION.

       Section 105(h) of Public Law 102-248 (16 U.S.C. 461 note) 
     is amended by striking ``10 years after the date of enactment 
     of this title'' and inserting ``on December 31, 2012''.

                   TITLE III--YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

     SEC. 301. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) The three elementary schools serving the children of 
     employees of Yosemite National Park are served by the Bass 
     Lake Joint Union Elementary School District and the Mariposa 
     Unified School District.
       (2) The schools are in remote mountainous areas and long 
     distances from other educational and administrative 
     facilities of the two local educational agencies.
       (3) Because of their remote locations and relatively small 
     number of students, schools serving the children of employees 
     of the Park provide fewer services in more basic facilities 
     than the educational services and facilities provided to 
     students that attend other schools served by the two local 
     educational agencies.
       (4) Because of the long distances involved and adverse 
     weather and road conditions that occur during much of the 
     school year, it is impractical for the children of employees 
     of the Park who live within or near the Park to attend other 
     schools served by the two local educational agencies.
       (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this title is to authorize the 
     Secretary of the Interior to provide supplemental funding and 
     other services that are necessary to assist the State of 
     California or local educational agencies in California in 
     providing educational services for students attending schools 
     located within the Park.

     SEC. 302. PAYMENTS FOR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES.

       (a) Authority to Provide Funds.--For fiscal years 2003 
     through 2007, the Secretary may provide funds to the Bass 
     Lake Joint Union Elementary School District and the Mariposa 
     Unified School District for educational services to students 
     who are dependents of persons engaged in the administration, 
     operation, and maintenance of the Park or students who live 
     at or near the Park upon real property of the United States.
       (b) Limitation on Use of Funds.--Payments made by the 
     Secretary under this section may not be used for new 
     construction, construction contracts, or major capital 
     improvements, and may be used only to pay public employees 
     for services otherwise authorized by this title.
       (c) Limitation on Amount of Funds.--Payments made under 
     this section shall not exceed the lesser of $750,000 in any 
     fiscal year or the amount necessary to provide students 
     described in subsection (a) with educational services that 
     are normally provided and generally available to students who 
     attend public schools elsewhere in the State of California.
       (d) Adjustment of Payments.--Subject to subsection (c), the 
     Secretary is authorized to adjust payments made under this 
     section if the State of California or the appropriate local 
     educational agencies do not continue to provide funding for 
     educational services at Park schools

[[Page H6510]]

     at per student levels that are equivalent to or greater than 
     those provided in the fiscal year prior to the date of 
     enactment of this title.
       (e) Source of Payments.--
       (1) Authorized sources.--Except as provided in paragraph 
     (2), in order to make payments under this section, the 
     Secretary may use funds available to the National Park 
     Service from appropriations, donations, or fees.
       (2) Exceptions.--Funds from the following sources may not 
     be used to make payments under this section:
       (A) Fees authorized and collected under the Land and Water 
     Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-4 et seq,).
       (B) The recreational fee demonstration program under 
     section 315 of the Department of the Interior and Related 
     Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (as contained in section 
     101(c) of Public Law 104-134; 16 U.S.C. 460l-6a note).
       (C) The national park passport program established under 
     section 602 of the National Parks Omnibus Management Act of 
     1998 (16 U.S.C. 5992).
       (D) Emergency appropriations for Yosemite flood recovery.
       (f) Definitions.--For the purposes of this title, the 
     following definitions apply:
       (1) Local educational agencies.--The term ``local 
     educational agencies'' has the meaning given that term in 
     section 9101(26) of the Elementary and Secondary Education 
     Act of 1965.
       (2) Educational services.--The term ``educational 
     services'' means services that may include maintenance and 
     minor upgrades of facilities and transportation to and from 
     school.
       (3) Park.--The term ``Park'' means Yosemite National Park.
       (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.

     SEC. 303. AUTHORIZATION FOR PARK FACILITIES TO BE LOCATED 
                   OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARIES OF YOSEMITE NATIONAL 
                   PARK.

       Section 814(c) of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands 
     Management Act of 1996 (16 U.S.C. 346e) is amended--
       (1) in the first sentence--
       (A) by inserting ``and Yosemite National Park'' after 
     ``Zion National Park''; and
       (B) by inserting ``transportation systems and'' before 
     ``the establishment of''; and
       (2) by striking ``park'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``parks''.

TITLE IV--ESTABLISHMENT OF GOLDEN CHAIN HIGHWAY AS A NATIONAL HERITAGE 
                             CORRIDOR STUDY

     SEC. 401. STUDY; REPORT.

       (a) Study.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date that 
     funds are first made available for this section, the 
     Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the affected 
     local governments, the State government, State and local 
     historic preservation offices, community organizations, and 
     the Golden Chain Council, shall complete a special resource 
     study of the national significance, suitability, and 
     feasibility of establishing Highway 49 in California, known 
     as the ``Golden Chain Highway'', as a National Heritage 
     Corridor.
       (2) Contents.--The study shall include an analysis of--
       (A) the significance of Highway 49 in American history;
       (B) options for preservation and use of the highway;
       (C) options for interpretation of significant features 
     associated with the highway; and
       (D) private sector preservation alternatives.
       (3) Boundaries of study area.--The area studied under this 
     section shall be comprised of Highway 49 in California 
     extending from the city of Oakhurst in Madera County to the 
     city of Tuttletown in Tuolumne County, and lands, structures, 
     and cultural resources within the immediate vicinity of the 
     highway.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 30 days after completion of the 
     study required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit 
     a report describing the results of the study to the Committee 
     on Resources of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate.

     TITLE V--JOHN MUIR NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT

     SEC. 501. BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT.

       (a) Boundary.--The boundary of the John Muir National 
     Historic Site is adjusted to include the lands generally 
     depicted on the map entitled ``Boundary Map, John Muir 
     National Historic Site'' numbered PWR-OL 426-80,044a and 
     dated August 2001.
       (b) Land Acquisition.--The Secretary of the Interior is 
     authorized to acquire the lands and interests in lands 
     identified as the ``Boundary Adjustment Area'' on the map 
     referred to in subsection (a) by donation, purchase with 
     donated or appropriated funds, exchange, or otherwise.
       (c) Administration.--The lands and interests in lands 
     described in subsection (b) shall be administered as part of 
     the John Muir National Historic Site established by the Act 
     of August 31, 1964 (78 Stat. 753; 16 U.S.C. 461 note).

              TITLE VI--SAN GABRIEL RIVER WATERSHEDS STUDY

     SEC. 601. AUTHORIZATION OF STUDY.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior (hereinafter 
     in this title referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall conduct 
     a special resource study of the following areas:
       (1) The San Gabriel River and its tributaries north of and 
     including the city of Santa Fe Springs.
       (2) The San Gabriel Mountains 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).
       (b) Study Conduct and Completion.--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 this section.
       (c) Consultation With Federal, State, and Local 
     Governments.--In conducting the study authorized by this 
     section, the Secretary shall consult with the San Gabriel and 
     Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy and other 
     appropriate Federal, State, and local governmental entities.
       (d) Considerations.--In conducting the study authorized by 
     this section, the Secretary shall consider regional flood 
     control and drainage needs and publicly owned infrastructure, 
     including, but not limited to, wastewater treatment 
     facilities.

     SEC. 602. REPORT.

       Not later than 3 years after funds are made available for 
     this title, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
     Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Resources of the House of Representatives a report on the 
     findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the study.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bass). Pursuant to the rule, the 
gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen) and the gentleman from West Virginia 
(Mr. Rahall) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen).
  Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  (Mr. HANSEN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks and include extraneous material.)
  Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, S. 941, as ordered reported by the Committee 
on Resources, not only authorizes the expansion of the Golden Gate 
National Recreation Area and a 10-year extension of the Manzanar 
National Historic Site Commission, but it also incorporates the 
following four new titles:
  title III is the text of H.R. 3421 as passed by the House of 
Representatives authorizing financial assistance for Yosemite National 
Park schools;
  title IV is the amended text of H.R. 3425 as approved by the 
Committee on Resources authorizing a National Park Service suitability 
study on a portion of Highway 49 in California;
  title V is the text of H.R. 3942 as adopted by the Committee on 
Resources authorizing a boundary adjustment for the John Muir National 
Historic Site; and
  title VI is the text from H.R. 2534 as adopted by the Committee on 
Resources authorizing a National Park Service special resource study of 
the San Gabriel River Watershed in California.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill is supported by the majority and minority of 
the committee as well as the administration. I urge my colleagues to 
support S. 941 as reported.
                                                    U.S. Congress,


                                  Congressional Budget Office,

                               Washington, DC, September 23, 2002.
     Hon. James V. Hansen,
     Chairman, Committee on Resources,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has 
     prepared the enclosed cost estimate for S. 941, an act to 
     revise the boundaries of the Golden Gate National Recreation 
     Area in the state of California, to extend the term of the 
     advisory commission for the recreation area, and for other 
     purposes.
       If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be 
     pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contacts are Deborah 
     Reis and Megan Carroll, who can be reached at 226-2860.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Barry B. Anderson
                                   (For Dan L. Crippen, Director).
       Enclosure.
     S. 941--An act to revise the boundaries of the Golden Gate 
         National Recreation Area in the state of California, to 
         extend the term of the advisory commission for the 
         recreation area, and for other purposes
       Summary: S. 941 would adjust the boundaries of two units of 
     the National Park System, require the National Park Service 
     (NPS) to conduct two studies of potential additions to the 
     park system or its affiliated areas, and authorize the NPS to 
     make payments to certain school districts in California. 
     Assuming appropriation of the necessary or authorized 
     amounts, CBO estimates that implementing the legislation 
     would cost about $21 million over the next five years. 
     Because enactment of title III could increase direct 
     spending, pay-as-you-go procedures would apply, but we 
     estimate that any such increase would be less than $500,000 a 
     year.
       Title V of the legislation may contain an intergovernmental 
     or private-sector mandate as defined in the Unfunded Mandates 
     Reform Act (UMRA), but CBO estimates that the costs of any 
     such mandate would not be significant and would fall well 
     below the thresholds established in UMRA. The thresholds in 
     2002 are $58 million and $115 million per year, respectively, 
     for intergovernmental

[[Page H6511]]

     and private-sector mandates, adjusted annually for inflation.
       Estimated Cost to the Federal Government: The estimated 
     budgetary impact of S. 941 is summarized in the following 
     table. The costs of this legislation fall within budget 
     function 300 (natural resources and environment).

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         By fiscal yesr, in millions of
                                                   dollars--
                                      ----------------------------------
                                        2003   2004   2005   2006   2007
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION \1\
 
Estimated authorization level........     17      1      1      1      1
Estimated outlays....................      9      9      1      1      1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Enacting S. 941 could also affect direct spending, but CBO estimates
  that such effects would be less than $500,000 a year.

     Basis of estimate
       Most of the legislation's budgetary effects would stem from 
     changes in discretionary spending. In total, we estimate that 
     implementing those changes would cost about $21 million over 
     the 2003-2007 period.
       Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) Boundary 
           Adjustment
       Title I would expand the boundary of the GGNRA in 
     California to include the 4,262-acre Rancho Corral de Tierra 
     and the 500-acre Devil's Slide area.
       Based on information provided by the NPS and assuming 
     appropriation of the necessary amounts. CBO estimates that 
     one-time costs to implement this title would be $15.5 million 
     over the next few years. Of this amount, we estimate that the 
     federal government would spend $15 million to purchase the 
     Rancho Corral de Tierra from a local nonprofit organization. 
     CBO estimates that acquisition of the Devil's Slide area 
     would not have any impact on federal spending because we 
     expect that this acreage would be donated to the NPS by 
     California. The balance of one-time costs--about $0.5 
     million--would be incurred to develop the property acquired. 
     Finally, we estimate that annual costs to administer the new 
     lands would be between $0.1 million and $0.2 million (or 
     about $1 million in total over the next five years), also 
     assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts.
       Yosemite National Park Education Improvement
       For each of fiscal years 2003 through 2007, title III would 
     authorize the NPS to pay a total of up of $750,000 to two 
     California school districts that serve the families of 
     Yosemite National Park employees. To make those payments, the 
     title would authorize the agency to use appropriated 
     funds, donations, or offsetting receipts from certain fees 
     that it collects.
       Assuming that the NPS would principally rely on 
     appropriated funds to make the authorized payments (because 
     very few collections and donations are available to spend on 
     new activities), CBO estimates that implementing title III 
     would cost $750,000 a year over the next five years, assuming 
     the availability of appropriated funds. That annual 
     discretionary amount could be lower if the NPS would choose 
     to use funds from other authorized sources (such as fees and 
     donations) to make the payments; if so, direct spending could 
     increase. According to the NPS, the agency already has 
     authority to spend nearly all such collections; hence, we 
     estimate that any increase in direct spending of such fees 
     under the legislation would be less than $500,000 a year.
       Highway 49 Study
       Title IV would require the NPS to prepare a special 
     resource study of Highway 49, in California, to determine the 
     suitability and feasibility of establishing it as a national 
     heritage corridor. The legislation would require the agency 
     to complete the study within one year of receiving funding 
     and to report to the Congress on its findings 30 days later. 
     Based on information provided by the NPS and assuming the 
     availability of appropriated funds, CBO estimates that 
     completing the required study and report would cost the 
     federal government $200,000, mostly in 2003.
       John Muir National Historic Site Boundary Adjustment
       Title V would adjust the boundary of the John Muir National 
     Historic Site and authorize the NPS to acquire the added 0.2-
     acre parcel of land by purchase, donation, or exchange. Based 
     on information provided by the NPS, we expect the agency to 
     condemn the small tract to establish its current ownership, 
     which is unknown. Depending on the outcome of the 
     condemnation proceeding, CBO expects that the NPS would then: 
     (1) annex the property without further cost to the government 
     (if no owner is located), (2) accept donation of the tract 
     (if the owner is another government agency), or (3) purchase 
     the property (if a private owner is located). In any event, 
     CBO estimates that the cost of acquiring the property 
     (including legal expenses) would be less than $50,000, 
     assuming the availability of appropriated funds.
       San Gabriel River Watersheds Study
       Title VI would direct the NPS to conduct a study of two 
     areas to determine the suitability and feasibility of 
     establishing them collectively as a unit of the National Park 
     System. The study areas are composed of certain segments of 
     the San Gabriel Mountains and the San Gabriel River and 
     tributaries in California. The bill would require the 
     department to report findings and recommendations within 
     three years of receiving funding for the study.
       Assuming the availability of appropriated funds, CBO 
     estimates that implementing title VI would cost the federal 
     government less than $500,000 over the next three years to 
     complete the required study and report.
       Pay-as-you-go considerations: The Balanced Budget and 
     Emergency Deficit Control Act sets up pay-as-you-go 
     procedures for legislation affecting direct spending or 
     receipts. Title III of this legislation, which would 
     authorize the NPS to make payments to certain school 
     districts from available donations or fees, could result in 
     additional direct spending. CBO expects, however, that most 
     of the funding would come from appropriations because very 
     few receipts would be available for this purpose. In any 
     case, we estimate that any increase in direct spending would 
     be less than $500,000 a year.
       Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: Title IV of S. 
     941 may contain an intergovernmental or private-sector impact 
     as defined in UMRA, but CBO estimates that the costs of any 
     such mandate would not be significant and would fall well 
     below the thresholds established in that act. The annual 
     thresholds in 2002 are $58 million and $115 million, 
     respectively, for intergovernmental and private-sector 
     mandates, adjusted annually for inflation.
       Title IV would authorize the NPS to acquire a 0.2-acre 
     parcel of land. Because the owner of this parcel cannot be 
     found, condemnation may be the only course of action for the 
     NPS to gain title. CBO has generally found that when 
     legislation is expected to result in condemnation of 
     property, it contains a mandate. The cost of such a mandate 
     generally is equal to the value of the property. However, 
     because in this case the NPS cannot identify the current 
     owner of the parcel, CBO cannot determine whether this 
     mandate would fall on a government, on the private sector, or 
     on both. In any event, based on information provided by the 
     NPS, CBO estimates that the value of the property is less 
     than $50,000.
       The other titles of this act contain no intergovernmental 
     or private-sector mandates as defined in UMRA and would 
     impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments.
       Previous CBO estimate: CBO has prepared cost estimates for 
     legislation nearly identical to all six titles of S. 941. On 
     August 21, 2001, we submitted an estimate for S. 941 as 
     ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Energy and 
     Natural Resources on August 2, 2001. The Senate version of S. 
     941 contained language very similar to titles I and II of the 
     House version, and the estimated costs for the two versions 
     are identical. We have also prepared cost estimates for four 
     bills as ordered reported by the House Committee on 
     Resources: H.R. 3421, the Yosemite National Park Education 
     Improvement Act, as ordered reported on March 20, 2002 (cost 
     estimated transmitted on April 8, 2002); H.R. 3425, a bill to 
     direct the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability 
     and feasibility of establishing Highway 49 in California, 
     known as the ``Golden Chain Highway,'' as a National Heritage 
     Corridor, as ordered reported on March 20, 2002 (transmitted 
     on March 28, 2002); H.R. 3942, the John Muir National 
     Historic Site Boundary Adjustment Act, as ordered reported on 
     May 22, 2002 (transmitted on June 14, 2002), and the San 
     Gabriel River Watersheds Study Act of 2002, as ordered 
     reported on July 24, 2002 (transmitted on July 31, 2002). The 
     estimated costs of these earlier versions of legislation are 
     the same as the provisions included in S. 941.
       Estimate prepared by: Federal costs: Deborah Reis and Megan 
     Carroll (226-2860); impact on state, local, and tribal 
     governments: Marjorie Miller (225-3220); impact on the 
     private sector: Lauren Marks (226-2940).
       Estimate approved by: Peter H. Fontaine, Deputy Assistant 
     Director for Budget Analysis.

  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Radanovich), the chairman of the Subcommittee on 
National Parks, Recreation and Public Lands to explain the bill 
further.
  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me 
the time.
  Mr. Speaker, S. 941, as reported by the Committee on Resources, 
incorporates a number of legislative initiatives affecting California, 
as just described by the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen). For me and 
my constituents, however, S. 941 is very important for it includes 
language authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to provide 
supplemental funding and other educational services for Yosemite 
Valley, El Portal Elementary, and Wawona Elementary Schools located in 
or within Yosemite National Park.
  Since the devastating 1997 Merced River flood, there has been a 
dramatic reduction in park employees, and thus, fewer school children 
attending these schools, and fewer State dollars are committed. The 
result is that the superintendent for Yosemite National Park and the 
concessionaire serving park visitors cannot attract first-class 
candidates to work in the parks because families are not provided 
adequate schools.
  Also included in S. 941 is language authorizing the Secretary of the 
Interior to locate facilities, including

[[Page H6512]]

transportation systems, outside the boundaries of Yosemite National 
Park. This important provision will help continue the successful 
operations of the Yosemite Area Rapid Transit System, otherwise known 
as YARTS, which operates in three counties surrounding Yosemite 
National Park and provides visitors with a convenient alternative 
transportation system to and from Yosemite National Park.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, the other important part of S. 941 is language 
authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility and 
suitability study of a portion of State Highway 49 in Madera, Mariposa, 
and Tuolumne Counties, also known as the Golden Chain Highway, as a 
national heritage corridor.
  I urge my colleagues to support S. 941, as amended. I also want to 
thank Senator Feinstein for her work on this bill in the other body, 
and again I thank the chairman for yielding me the time.
  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  The measure has already been explained by the majority, but I simply 
want to note that this important legislation is sponsored by our 
colleagues, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Solis) and the 
gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller).
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman 
from California (Ms. Solis) for her comments and commend her for her 
excellent leadership on this legislation.
  (Ms. SOLIS asked and was given permission to revise and extend her 
remarks.)
  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Senate bill 491, 
the Rancho Corral De Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area 
Boundary Adjustment Act; and in particular, I am very pleased at the 
efforts made to include my bill, H.R. 2534, the San Gabriel River 
Watersheds Study Act, to be included in this package.
  If passed, the bill directs the Department of Interior to study ways 
for the more than 2 million people to benefit from a potential 
recreational and rehabilitated area in the San Gabriel Valley along the 
San Gabriel River.
  I want to personally thank the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen), the 
gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), the gentleman from 
California (Mr. George Miller), and the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Radanovich) and also the committee staff and in particular my staff 
person, Heather Taylor, for working tirelessly on this issue. I know 
that this took a lot of discussion and time, working with the ranking 
member and the different members of the committee, but it is something 
that I truly believe will help provide environmental justice to those 
communities that are currently underserved and would like to see a bit 
more of open space made available to those communities that are 
currently underserved.
  I encourage Members to support Senate bill 941.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Senate bill 941, the Rancho 
Corral De Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary 
Adjustment Act.
  In particular, I am very pleased of the efforts to include my bill, 
H.R. 2534, the San Gabriel River Watersheds Study Act to this important 
legislation.
  If passed, this bill directs the Department of Interior to study ways 
for the more than 2 million people that reside in the San Gabriel 
Valley to preserve, restore and create recreational space along the San 
Gabriel River.
  With more people and less space, we have to start planning so that we 
don't look around one day and realize that all we see are concrete 
buildings and unwanted development encroaching upon our open space.
  This would not only be detrimental to the environmental landscape, it 
would also hurt the health of the surrounding communities and future 
generations.
  It is time for us to look at ways to make sure that everyone has 
access to open and recreational space regardless of their socioeconomic 
background and ethnicity.
  This bill is a community effort and benefits an area that is 
desperately in need of a restored and healthy environmental landscape.
  As we move forward with this study, we realize that the road to 
restore our environment in the San Gabriel Valley will be a long one.
  But the destination will be well worth the trip.
  I'd like to thank Chairman Hansen, Ranking Member Rahall, Congressmen 
Miller and Radanovich for helping me advance this bill in the interest 
of my community.
  I also thank Senators Boxer and Feinstein for their support of this 
measure and the people of San Gabriel Valley.
  In addition, I'd like to thank my personal staff, Heather Taylor and 
Yvette Martinez and the Committee Staff--particularly Jim Zoia, Rick 
Healy, and David Watkins.
  And community members like Lara Blakely of the San Gabriel Rivers and 
Mountains Conservancy and many other leaders that have stepped forward 
in support of this bill.
  I encourage members to support S. 941 and reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos).
  (Mr. LANTOS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my friend for yielding me 
the time.
  Mr. Speaker, I would just like to make a few comments about this 
legislation.
  My legislation adds about 5,000 acres to the Golden Gate National 
Recreation Area. The beauty of this region is beyond description. A 
person's soul will sore when they see it. It is stunning panoramic 
scenery containing flora and ecosystems found nowhere else on the face 
of this planet.
  The legislation will provide recreational opportunities for millions 
of our Bay Area citizens and visitors. It will link existing county, 
State, and Federal parklands into a 6,700 acre contiguous, publicly-
accessible land. It will link miles of public hiking trails. It will 
protect four sensitive watersheds containing steelhead trout and coho 
salmon. It will protect rare and endangered plant and animal species. 
It will prevent development along our uniquely scenic California 
coastline, and it will protect sweeping panoramic coastal views and 
stunning headland scenery.
  The legislation will be financed through a public-private 
partnership: 50 percent Federal funding, 50 percent private and State 
funding.
  It is widely supported throughout our region. Our entire Bay Area 
congressional delegation are cosponsors of my legislation, as are both 
California United States Senators.
  The legislation is endorsed by the National Park Service, the San 
Mateo County Board of Supervisors, the Golden Gate National Recreation 
Area, and Point Reyes National Seashore Advisory Commission and 
national and local environmental, conservation and civic groups.
  I want to express my deep appreciation to my good friend from Utah, 
the chairman, and to my good friend who is the ranking member; and they 
have been so helpful in bringing this legislation forward. I want to 
thank all of my colleagues who have played a role in making this a 
reality.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 941, the Rancho Corral de 
Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act. I 
am the principal sponsor of companion legislation introduced in the 
U.S. House of Representatives (H.R. 1953) which adds approximately 
5,000 acres of pristine natural lands to one of our nation's most 
visited national parks, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area 
(GGNRA). The legislation is sponsored in the U.S. Senate by both 
California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer and has the 
strong and enthusiastic cosponsorship of the entire Bay Area 
Congressional Delegation.
  Mr. Speaker, the GGNRA is a true national treasure. It provides open 
space and recreation in the midst of a densely populated urban area. 
The new addition to the GGNRA covered by this legislation will be 
accessible to more than 6 million people who live within a one hour's 
drive of the park and will provide national park programs and 
experiences to millions of national and international visitors.
  The Rancho Corral de Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area 
Boundary Adjustment Act will adjust the boundary of the GGNRA to permit 
the inclusion of breathtakingly beautiful lands along the Pacific 
Ocean. When combined with already existing state and county parkland it 
will create 6,700 contiguous acres of publicly accessible land for 
recreational use. These lands are marked by topographical extremes. 
They include a dramatic ascent from the Pacific Ocean, 2000 feet high 
in just over 1 mile--a spectacular sight not duplicated anywhere else 
in the Park and in few other places on the California coast. The upper 
parcels of land offer spectacular vistas, sweeping coastal and bay 
views and stunning headland scenery. On a clear

[[Page H6513]]

day you can see the San Francisco Bay, the Marin headlands, Mt. 
Tamalpais, Mt. Diablo, Mt. Hamilton, the Farrallon Islands, Pillar 
Point and Pigeon Point. Inclusion of these lands would also protect the 
important habitats of several species of rare, threatened or endangered 
plants and animals.
  This legislation contains three important additions to the GGNRA. The 
largest parcel, the Rancho Corral de Tierra addition, is one of the 
largest undeveloped parcels on the San Mateo coast. It is comprised of 
the four main peaks of Montara Mountain and rises 2,000 feet from sea 
level. This 4,262-acre property includes a panorama of amazing views, 
important watersheds, miles of public trails, and an incredible array 
of wildlife and plantlife. The Rancho Corral de Tierra shares three 
miles of boundary with the GGNRA. Its relatively untouched upper 
elevations preserve rare habitat for several threatened and endangered 
plant and animal species. The property also contains four important 
coastal watersheds, which proved riparian corridors for steel head 
trout, coho salmon and other aquatic species.

  This legislation also authorizes the National Park Service to include 
within the GGNRA the Martini Creek-Devil's Slide Bypass right-of-way, 
which was purchased by the California Department of Transportation 
(Caltrans) to build a highway across Montara Mountain. When San Mateo 
voters overwhelmingly decided in a local referendum in favor of 
building the Devil's Slide tunnel rather than the Martini Creek Bypass, 
this right-of-way became obsolete. This property covers approximately 
300 acres and divides the Rancho Corral de Tierra property and connects 
the proposed additions to the GGNRA to existing State parkland, 
creating a seamless belt of parkland. Once the GGNRA boundary is 
adjusted through this legislation to include this right-of-way, 
Caltrans will be able to donate the property to the National Park 
Service.
  The legislation authorizes the National Park Service to include 
within the GGNRA boundaries approximately 500 acres of land along the 
Devil's Slide section of Coastal Highway 1, the scenic highway that 
winds its way along the entire California coast. These properties will 
make a logical addition to the park by filling in gaps to adjacent and 
existing State and Federal parkland. Caltrans either already owns or 
will acquire these lands when it builds the Devil's Slide tunnel and 
will then donate these properties for open space use after the tunnel 
is built. It is not the intention of this legislation, Mr. Speaker, to 
interfere with Caltran's responsibility for building the tunnel at 
Devil's Slide. This legislation will simply make it possible for 
Caltrans or any other state or local agency to donate these properties 
to the National Park Service when the Devil's Slide tunnel is completed 
and when the National Park Service has determined that the acquisition 
of these lands is appropriate.
  Mr. Speaker, the Rancho Corral de Tierra Golden Gate National 
Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act provides the federal government 
a unique opportunity to place approximately 5,000 acres of pristine 
land under permanent protection for the enjoyment of Bay Area residents 
and visitors. The Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) acquired the 4,262 
acre Rancho Corral de Tierra site for $29.75 million to save the site 
from development and to preserve it as a natural area. POST is a local 
land conservancy trust in the San Francisco Bay Area and has a 
remarkable track record in working with and assisting the federal 
government with the protection of other important open space in the Bay 
Area. In 1994, POST negotiated the acquisition and inclusion of the 
1,300 acre second-growth redwood-forest Phleger Estate within the 
GGRNA. POST provided one-half the purchase price of the Phleger Estate 
through private donations. POST also assisted the federal government 
with the protection and acquisition of Bair Island, an important 
wildlife refuge in San Francisco Bay that is now managed by the US Fish 
and Wildlife Service.
  Mr. Speaker, we can accomplish permanent protection of these lands 
through a unique public-private partnership. Under this legislation, 
Rancho Corral de Tierra will be preserved through a tripartite 
partnership between the National Park Service, California State Parks 
and the Peninsula Open Space Trust. For the Rancho Corral de Tierra 
property, we will seek 50% of the acquisition from the federal 
government and 50% through state and private contributions. POST has 
offered to donate a significant amount towards the federal acquisition 
of the Rancho Corral de Tierra property through private donations.

  Mr. Speaker, the inclusion of these lands on the San Mateo Coastside 
enjoys strong local support. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area 
and Point Reyes National Seashore Citizens Advisory Commission adopted 
a resolution endorsing this legislation after holding a public hearing 
and receiving public comment from local residents. The San Mateo County 
Board of Supervisors also passed a resolution supporting enactment of 
this legislation. The legislation also has the strong support of local 
environmental advocacy and preservation groups. The proposed additions 
were studied by POST in accordance with National Park Service criteria 
and in consultation with National Park Service staff. The study found 
that the three tracts of land meet the criteria for additions to units 
of the National Park Service. The study found that the properties will 
preserve significant natural, scenic and recreational resources that 
are equal to or unparalleled in the Golden Gate National Recreation 
Area. The National Park Service testified before Congress that it 
supports adjusting the boundary of the GGRNA to include these lands.
  This legislation will also reauthorize the Golden Gate National 
Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore Citizens Advisory 
Commission for an additional 10 years. The Advisory Commission has been 
an invaluable resource for park management since its inception in 1972. 
It provides an important forum for the gathering and receipt of public 
input, public opinion and public comment and allows the park to 
maintain constructive and informal contacts with both the private 
sector and other federal, state and local public agencies. The Advisory 
Commission aids in strengthening the spirit of cooperation between the 
National Park Service and the public, encourages private cooperation 
with other public agencies, and assists in developing and ensuring that 
the park's general management plan is implemented.
  Mr. Speaker, preserving our country's unique natural areas must be 
one of our highest national priorities, and it is one of my highest 
priorities as a Member of Congress. We must preserve and protect these 
unique and rare areas for our children and grandchildren today or they 
will be lost forever. Adding these news lands to the GGNRA will provide 
greater recreational opportunities for the public to enjoy and will 
allow us to protect these fragile natural areas from encroaching 
development or other inappropriate uses which would destroy the scenic 
beauty and natural character of this key part of the California coast. 
The California coast is a true national treasure and passage of this 
important legislation will preserve it for the generations that follow 
us. I urge my colleague's support of S. 941, the Rancho Corral de 
Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act of 
2001.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 941, the 
Rancho Corral de Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary 
Adjustment Act. I am the principal sponsor of companion legislation 
introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives (H.R. 1953) which adds 
approximately 5,000 acres of pristine natural lands to one of our 
nation's most visited national parks, the Golden Gate National 
Recreation Area (GGNRA). The legislation is sponsored in the U.S. 
Senate by both California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer 
and has the strong and enthusiastic cosponsorship of the entire Bay 
Area Congressional Delegation.
  Mr. Speaker, the GGNRA is a true national treasure. It provides open 
space and recreation in the midst of a densely populated urban area. 
The new additions to the GGNRA covered by this legislation will be 
accessible to more than 6 million people who live within a one hour's 
drive of the park and will provide national park programs and 
experiences to millions of national and international visitors.
  The Rancho Corral de Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area 
Boundary Adjustment Act will adjust the boundary of the GGNRA to permit 
the inclusion of breathtakingly beautiful lands along the Pacific 
Ocean. When combined with already existing state and county parkland it 
will create 6,700 contiguous acres of publicly accessible land for 
recreational use. These lands are marked by topographical extremes. 
They include a dramatic ascent from the Pacific Ocean, 2,000 feet high 
in just over 1 mile--a spectacular sight not duplicated anywhere else 
in the Park and in few other places on the California coast. The upper 
parcels of land offer spectacular vistas, sweeping coastal and bay 
views and stunning headland scenery. On a clear day you can see the San 
Francisco Bay, the Marin headlands, Mr. Tamalpais, Mt. Diablo, Mt. 
Hamilton, the Farrallon Islands, Pillar Point and Pigeon Point. 
Inclusion of these lands would also protect the important habitats of 
several species of rare, threatened or endangered plants and animals.
  This legislation contains three important additions to the GGNRA. The 
largest parcel, the Rancho Corral de Tierra addition, is one of the 
largest undeveloped parcels on the San Mateo coast. It is comprised of 
the four main peaks of Montara Mountain and rises 2,000 feet from sea 
level. This 4,262-acre property includes a panorama of amazing views, 
important watersheds, miles of public trails, and an incredible array 
of wildlife and plantlife. The Rancho Corral de Tierra shares 3 miles 
of boundary with the GGNRA. Its relatively untouched upper elevations 
preserve rare habitats for several threatened and endangered plant and 
animal

[[Page H6514]]

species. The property also contains four important coastal watersheds, 
which proved riparian corridors for steelhead trout, coho salmon and 
other aquatic species.

  This legislation also authorizes the National Park Service to include 
within the GGNRA the Martini Creek-Devil's Slide Bypass right-of-way, 
which was purchased by the California Department of Transportation 
(Caltrans) to build a highway across Montara Mountain. When San Mateo 
voters overwhelmingly decided in a local referendum in favor of 
building the Devil's Slide tunnel rather than the Martini Creek Bypass, 
this right-of-way became obsolete. This property covers approximately 
300 acres and divides the Rancho Corral de Tierra property and connects 
the proposed additions to the GGNRA to existing State parkland, 
creating a seamless belt of parkland. Once the GGNRA boundary is 
adjusted through this legislation to include this right-of-way, 
Caltrans will be able to donate the property to the National Park 
Service.
  The legislation authorizes the National Park Service to include 
within the GGNRA boundaries approximately 500 acres of land along the 
Devil's Slide section of Coastal Highway 1, the scenic highway that 
winds its way along the entire California coast. These properties will 
make a logical addition to the park by filing in gaps to adjacent and 
existing State and Federal parkland. Caltrans either already owns or 
will acquire these lands when it builds the Devil's Slide tunnel and 
will then donate these properties for open space use after the tunnel 
is built. It is not the intention of this legislation, Mr. Speaker, to 
interfere with Caltrans' responsibility for building the tunnel at 
Devil's Slide. This legislation will simply make it possible for 
Caltrans or any other state or local agency to donate these properties 
to the National Park Service when the Devil's Slide tunnel is completed 
and when the National Park Service has determined that the acquisition 
of these lands is appropriate.
  Mr. Speaker, the Rancho Corral de Tierra Golden Gate National 
Recreational Area Boundary Adjustment Act provides the federal 
government a unique opportunity to place approximately 5,000 acres of 
pristine land under permanent protection for the enjoyment of Bay Area 
residents and visitors. The Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) acquired 
the 4,252 acre Rancho Corral de Tierra site for $29.75 million to save 
the site from development and to preserve it as a natural area. POST is 
a local land conservancy trust in the San Francisco Bay Area and has a 
remarkable track record in working with and assisting the federal 
government with the protection of other important open space in the Bay 
Area. In 1994, POST negotiated the acquisition and inclusion of the 
1,300 acre second-growth redwood-forest Phleger Estate within the 
GGNRA. POST provided one-half the purchase price of the Phleger Estate 
through private donations. POST also assisted the federal government 
with the protection and acquisition of Bair Island, an important 
wildlife refuge in San Francisco Bay that is now managed by the U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service.
  Mr. Speaker, we can accomplish permanent protection of these lands 
through a unique public-private partnership. Under this legislation, 
Rancho Corral de Tierra will be preserved through a tripartite 
partnership between the National Park Service, California State Parks 
and the Peninsula Open Space Trust. For the Rancho Corral de Tierra 
property, we will seek 50% of the acquisition from the federal 
government and 50% through state and private contributions. POST has 
offered to donate a significant amount towards the federal acquisition 
of the Rancho Corral de Tierra property through private donations.

  Mr. Speaker, the inclusion of these lands on the San Mateo Coastside 
enjoys strong local support. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area 
and Point Reyes National Seashore Citizens Advisory Commission adopted 
a resolution endorsing this legislation after holding a public hearing 
and receiving public comment from local residents. The San Mateo County 
Board of Supervisors also passed a resolution supporting enactment of 
this legislation. The legislation also has the strong support of local 
environmental advocacy and preservation groups. The proposed additions 
were studied by POST in accordance with National Park Service criteria 
and in consultation with National Park Service staff. The study found 
that the three tracts of land meet the criteria for additions to units 
of the National Park Service. The study found that the properties will 
preserve significant natural, scenic and recreational resources that 
are equal to or unparalleled in the Golden Gate National Recreation 
Area. The National Park Service testified before Congress that it 
supports adjusting the boundary of the GGRNA to include these lands.
  This legislation will also reauthorize the Golden Gate National 
Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore Citizens Advisory 
Commission for an additional 10 years. The Advisory Commission has been 
an invaluable resource for park management since its inception in 1972. 
It provides an important forum for the gathering and receipt of public 
input, public opinion and public comments and allows the park to 
maintain constructive and informal contracts with both the private 
sector and other federal, state and local public agencies. The Advisory 
Commission aids in strengthening the spirit of cooperation between the 
National Park Service and the public, encourages private cooperation 
with other public agencies, and assists in developing and ensuring that 
the park's general management plan is implemented.
  Mr. Speaker, preserving our country's unique natural areas must be 
one of our highest national priorities, and it is one of my highest 
priorities as a Member of Congress. We must preserve and protect these 
unique and rare areas for our children and grandchildren today or they 
will be lost forever. Adding these news lands to the GGNRA will provide 
greater recreational opportunities for the public to enjoy and will 
allow us to protect these fragile natural areas from encroaching 
development or other inappropriate uses which would destroy the scenic 
beauty and natural character of this key part of the California coast. 
The California coast is a true national treasure and passage of this 
important legislation will preserve it for the generations that follow 
us. I urge my colleague's support of S. 941, the Rancho Corral de 
Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act of 
2001.
  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 941, the Rancho 
Corral de Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary 
Adjustment Act, which will add approximately 5,000 acres to the Golden 
Gate National Recreation Area, also known as the GGNRA.
  First, I thank Chairman Radanovich for his work in moving this bill 
along.
  As I've told him any times, this bill is very important to my 
constituents and all residents of the San Francisco Bay Area.
  The strong local support is reflected by the fact that every member 
of the Bay Area delegation has cosponsored the House companion measure, 
H.R. 1953, introduced by Representative Lantos whom I thank for 
bringing this bill to the floor.
  As the Bay Area has grown, our constituents have recognized how 
precious open, recreational spaces are to the community. Our past 
leaders had the foresight to create the GGNRA for this purpose.
  These ventures don't just happen. It takes people of vision at the 
local level to recognize the need, to develop a response, and rally 
support. I'm proud that we have the best . . . Audrey Rust, the 
President of the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST). I've had the 
privilege of working with Ms. Rust on two other major land acquisitions 
in the Bay Area--the Phleger Estate and Bair Island.
  This bill, like the other efforts, is the result of Audrey's 
leadership and initiative. She spurred the effort to negotiate a deal 
to purchase land from willing sellers and she gathered community 
support. She deserves our commendation and our lasting gratitude.
  Today, we have the relatively simple task of approving a boundary 
extension for the Golden Gate recreation area because the hard work was 
done at the local level.
  It's critical that we do so. When we do, we will ensure that adequate 
recreational space is provided for the public because more than 6 
million Bay Area residents live within an hour of the GGNRA.
  It's also important to the local environment to acquire this land 
which is a habitat for ten threatened, endangered, and rare species. 
With this bill, we can do that. We need to seize this chance or risk 
losing it, perhaps forever.
  Lastly, I note that a number of extraneous provisions, including one 
regarding Yosemite National Park, have been added to this bill. This 
means that the bill must go back to the Senate once more. I hope that 
these new provisions will not mar the laudable Golden Gate provisions.
  I'm very pleased, Mr. Speaker, that this bill has been brought to the 
floor today and I urge all my colleagues to join me in voting for it.
  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen) that the House suspend the rules and 
pass the Senate bill, S. 941, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the Senate bill, as amended, was 
passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________